Hello Kim, what you have experienced is why we often caution "stage one" patients to seek multiple opinions. All of the diagnostic scans have a limit as to their sensitivity. At best perhaps detecting a tumor 2 millimeters in size or larger. Individiual cancer cells sometimes are already doing their dirty work by breaking free and moving through the lymphatic system. These "micro-mets" can only be found by microscopic viewing of the lymph nodes. This is one of the reasons for the surgical removal of the lymph nodes (called a radical neck dissection RND)

The good news for you, is that you have still got radiation as an option, as well as the RND if necessary. Radiation can be quite effective in treating a case like yours.

You might want to visit your local Social Security Office, you should qualify for SSDI which would help for the financial effects of cancer treatment.

Take care

Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.