David, you sound surprised at the additional radiation. My doctors all assure me that it is OK because more than six months has passed since the first go round. The tonsil was not removed, just radiated. Also, this round of radiation is more focused on the cancer, not as general in scope as the first time.

Since the cancer is in the back of the throat where the skin is thin, the spinal column is close, they state surgery is a very last resort. Especially, since to get to the spot, the ENT says part of the jaw bone would have to be removed.

No idea as to why the reoccurence, just one of the lucky ones I guess.