Tom, I echo what David said, and understand completely how the spiral of diagnoses can become overwhelming. I did not have the changing statements about stage, but remember the same gut feeling when the doctor said it was Stage IV.

I am now 13 months post treatment, and am doing really very well. I also had a similar regimen, in the sense that my neck dissection preceded my radiation and chemo treatment. Physically as active as ever, eating well, working, all of those things we do. Sure, I deal with the dry mouth and the pain/stiffness in the neck and shoulders, but these are relatively minor.

As you will learn through more reading and interaction on the site, the Stage is a difficult concept when it comes to Head & Neck Cancer. There are a huge number of variables for each person's individual case, and the Stages are the profession's best attempt to logically group cases for study and statistical purposes.

Bottom line is to not fret over the Stage. Just follow the treatment protocol one day at a time, and you will be amazed at how quickly it is over.