Lee,

I went thru the same decision. My docs told me that clearly, the prognosis with their patients goes from 80% to 90+% when having the neck disection. After all I went thru, this was a fairly easy decision. Just to throw something more in the mix...if you are HPV+, there might be less of a need for the surgery. If surgery is elected, make sure he does it 20x's week vs 20x's/yr. Get the most experienced guy you can find. The long term nerve damage will be much less with experience. Good luck and call me if you need to at 732-687-3518.
Rob