Welcome Matt. I had the same diagnosis but no tonsillectomy as the RO said the radiation would just burn the tonsils away anyway. Also had a panic attack during mask fitting when I started having trouble breathing. Went from 0 to panic in no time. Anyway, my advice, between now and start of tx, eat every food you love and try some you always wanted to try. It's going to be a while before you can enjoy food again. Also, if you are not comfortable with the mask, ask for a rx for valium, unless drugs are a problem for you. Are you going to get a feeding tube? It will be a great help when swallowing becomes difficult, about 2-3 weeks in. Best of luck to you. This disease is beatable.