Gino,
You certainly have a difficult decision to make. You've done all the right things, including going first to a CCC. The above advice about getting a second opinion from another CCC is also sound. Additionally, I would suggest that you do a search of the OCF web site for "occult metastis" (occult mets) and "micro mets".

If I remember a post from Brian on this topic, some 28-30% of Stage I patients experience a recurrence because of occult mets. Not being a doctor, I have no idea if having a few cancer cells in a lymph node changes these odds or not. You might ask your doctor that question. I would also want to ask him what type of radiotherapy you would get if you were to go ahead with it. Is IMRT radiation a possiblity? If so, it would minimize some of the side effects, particularly loss of salivary function.

Remember what Kathy G. says above, although radiation is no walk in the park, it is doable and survivable and the long term effects can be reduced. Amifostine is a drug you can take that seems to preserve salivary function. You should be able to retain your teeth. If you decide to get radiation, make sure you see a dentist first -this can help avoid dental problems post radiation.

Whatever decision you make, I wish you the best. -Sheldon