I had to laugh at the neck dissection being a breeze comment and beg to differ. Experience one neck cramp and get back to me on that one, ok? Or the loss of movement of the lower lip, feeling and movement to one side of your tongue...all of these can be side effects (of which I suffer from them all) and are in no way a "breeze". They are in fact life altering.

I was however glad to have one done as they did find a few nodes with signs of cancer even after going through chemo and radx.

Elizabeth, I was 33 at time of diagnosis and have gone through much of what you are about to experience, although I don't have your type of cancer. I think you made a good choice with MD Anderson, 2nd opinions are smart, but you can't get better care really. Don't let this stuff scare you, you can do this! I've had the whole right side of my jaw replace, neck dissection...the works, if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. I'm also on facebook, www.facebook.com/eric.statler, I love facebook! and recommend it to help keep people updated.

Good luck and keep breathing!

Eric