Sharlee,
It is more of an academic point about HPV since you have already been Dx'd with H&N cancer. Some speculation and early information would suggest that persons having a cancer caused by it have a higher cure rate, but it won't change your treatment protocol one iota.

You will get mixed messages and it's a tough decision to make.

You must remember that we all respond differently to treatment and also that BOT cancers attack tough tissue and tend to be more aggressive than say, tonsil cancers (which attack lymph tissue - that's what tonsils are made of). Some here would also suggest an "all or nothing" approach, in other words add adjunctive chemo and radiation but these are both toxic and can have serious side effects. That's why discussing "risk and benefit" is of such vital importance. Say, for instance, that you have an 80% chance of non-recurrance (or a complete response to treatment) and the addition of radiation and chemo will increase your odds of 5 year survival by 5% - these are the kinds of questions and data you must be asking and seeking and as Ginny and Colleen said, you will have to trust your doctors some what on steering you toward a choice that you are comfortable with and following your gut. I would still seek a consensus opinion from an MO, RO and surgeon.

Another thing to consider is that they will be following you very closely for the first couple of years when your risk of recurrance is the highest. I saw all three doctors every 6 weeks during the 1st year. Although I had radiation and chemo only, my primary doctor, for routine followup, is a head and neck surgeon (who recommended against surgery by the way).

I am a 4 year survivor and I still wonder whether I made the right choice(s). I think that we all struggle with that.

None of us here are doctors, we can really only give you more questions to ask.

Colleen - did your RO concur with the surgeon?