Tim: If it is any comfort, my brother was advised to have chemo/rad first and surgery only if necessary. Well, there was still a tumor in a lymph node after the radiation & chemo, so he had to have the surgery anyway. So, he had the radiation & chemo in May - June 2003 and the surgery in Sept. 2003 and has been cancer free every since. He was stage IV for tongue cancer and the doctors were not optimistic at the time, but he is living his life fully, enjoying every moment he can with his two adorable granddaughters & his terrific wife. The Rad/chemo first, followed by surgery, was a good choice for him. He was seen at a comprehensive cancer center. Good luck! - Candace