Hi ljones98280. I'm not sure anyone will be able to communicate a probability of recurrence. As background, I had left tonsil cancer in 2008. Both tonsils and 1 lymph node were removed. 33 radiation and 6 chemo. I seem to recall being told I was stage 4.

For what it's worth, there are a fair amount of long term survivors on this service. I think there's a message in that although there are no guarantees.

Early on I remember periods of "calm" when I was in between follow ups. My mind would then race when I had a check up pending or follow up scan while I was waiting for results. Given what you been through, that will be normal. It took a number of years for me to allow the "calm" to dominate. But given radiation side effects, not a day goes by where I don't remember what I've been through.

Stay vigilant with your checkups, swallowing and neck exercises. Checkups, especially early on, are critical to ensure treatments were effective and to have any issues addressed. If something doesn't feel quite right, ask. As an example, my jaw swelled a year or two after treatments. Obviously concerned me greatly, to put it mildly - it was an infection.

Be well and as patient as you can as you recover. It is a process. Hope this helps