Not all are candidates for IMRT but if you are it can make a huge difference in the quality of life afterwards. I was a stage III/IV with a moderately well differentiated tumor that was 6cm x 3cm (hardly a small tumor) and after 3 weeks of IMRT it completely vanished. 3D conformal is an older technology. Although there were no signs of metastesis or node involvement, they radiated some of those areas as well as the left tonsil. I was very fortunate to have one of the highest rated radiation oncologists in the country.

If the needles are hurting you ask them to use pediatric needles (even for the blood draws). I don't remember them using a contrast agent with the CT's but I had a IV for the PET, it wasn't a big deal. It'll be a lot easier with some anti-anxiety meds plus the PET scan took a long time. You'll have to get used to the needles I'm afraid as it's par for the course, especially when you start chemo. Some "vamps" are better than others and you'll hardly even know you're being stuck.

I started my treatment Jan 28, 2003 and so far so good, no recurrences. Hopefully you will have the same outcome.