Hi Gino,
I do know that Marcy was a non-smoker, not sure about the node.
I realize that my tumor was a stage IV, but, it was well contained within my jaw bone and my node situation was the same as yours.............micromets. I had the lymphnodes removed and had radiation. I had clean margins from the surgery and, quite possibly, was cancer free after the neck disection. But, it was in the nodes and to me and my doctors that meant radiation. They couldn't promise me that the cancer was all gone in my neck, but they COULD promise me that my chances of it not coming back were better WITH the radiation. I did not have chemo.
I'm happy you're leaning to radiation, especially if you are able to get IMRT. Most of the IMRT patients on this board are doing very well. I didn't have IMRT and, while I'm not having issues with my teeth, I was up until a month or so ago eating steak, chicken, pork, mexican food, you name it, I was eating it. Is it different? Yes. But you get to the point where you REALLY have to THINK about WHY it's different, as your body adjusts to your "new normal". I had conventional radiation and I taste just fine and still have saliva.
We're thinking of you!
Minnie