← Return to Husband diagnosed with tonsil cancer: looking for tips and support

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@hrhwilliam

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.

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Replies to "Hello @johnbonani John and welcome to the Head and Neck group. There are as many differing..."

Thank you, William. Yes indeed I did open a separate discussion and hopefully will receive some responses. I will also post a few more of the details like you suggest hopefully that will help. This forum is a wonderful resource!

Check out my new post entitled "Just Diagnosed with Tonsil Cancer - How to Treat?"