Dear S, Both treatment protocols are going to be tough, each in it's own way. Have his Doctors discussed quality of life issues that may result from either approach? The surgery [60% success rate] option is going to be the longer recovery period- that's extensive surgery. Hope you or someone is going with him to listen carefully and ask questions of these Docs. You can search on this forum for the effects of radiation, and the type of surgery they are suggesting. Best luck and keep asking questions. Amy