Paul, the other thing about getting a second opinion from a top cancer center is sometimes, if the rad oncologist there is willing to talk diorectly to your local treatment place, it can shake them up enough to give you the treatment you need. Getting the second opinion I got from Dana Farber, and the fact that teh rad. oncologist there was willing to talk directly with the chief rad. oncologist at Roswell Park, got my entire case reconsidered by the rad. oncology group at Roswell and got me the treatment I needed (using IMRT to spare the parotid) at their new extension here.

I can relate to needing to stay locally but I'd suggest you look around at other places than U of R. I just found out that the tiny hosptial in Cortland NY now is getting IMRT! There may be some other smaller places nearby you as well. At the very least, do try going to Roswell Park for a second opinion.