Hello @johnbonani John and welcome to the Head and Neck group. There are as many differing opinions both medical and patient as there are cases of head and neck cancer. A couple of big questions is where located, what type (such as Squamous Cell and sub type such as HPV16+) as well as how extensive for example stage 1. You have stage three which means it is either a large single spot or has invaded nearby areas.
We all try to avoid radiation if we can due to the after effects, particularly in head and neck. There are now drugs that can clear up remains after surgery for some sub types of SSC. Proton Radiation is far more accurate and less destructive to surrounding tissue and body parts. Its also more expensive (not at Mayo but at most centers) and it is usually only in one or two cities in any given state in the US. Photon is done everywhere. You would be surprised.
I can give you my opinion but your doctors would or should know best, provided they have your best interests at heart. Only you can determine that.
Let's see who else pops in here and by the way, you will get much better feedback if you open a Discussion of your own, which lights up on the screen of those who follow the Head and Neck group on connect. Nothing wrong with where you posted, just better results on your own discussion for future posts. It can be kind of complicated for us old guys.
If radiation is the answer, its a fight you can win. Just not a fight anyone would want to have. Courage.

Hello @johnbonani. It is very hard to get hit with this kind of information and try to research and make sense of it and of all things then form a treatment plan. My cancer was ear, not tonsil, but I am still alive 12 years later after surgery, chemo, radiation, and 4 metastases. I have had close contact with a handful of tonsil survivors via an immune therapy clinic I attend. Whether or not your cancer is HPV related or not makes a difference in response to treatment. Surgery was the chosen option for the folks I know, and two of them followed with radiation. Radiation can be tough and leave you with more side effects, though as William said, Proton beam is a much better option where available. The man who chose not to do radiation had a recurrence years later. That said, every person is different, and every treatment protocol can be different and only your own doctor knows what is best for you. Gather information. Ask for a second opinion. Pursue travel to a large referral cancer center or teaching hospital. Consider a video visit for a second opinion. My choices for myself have been surgery first, than whatever is needed after that. Do you have a cancer center close enough to consider travel?