this is all knew to me and it came as quite a shock

[sinkingfeeling]

9. I'm sorry. I'm a six year survivor of Stage IV tonsil cancer and know what you're in for.

First thing is to find an oncologist you trust. They might tell you to have all your teeth pulled, that you will get blisters inside your throat, you might need a feeding tube, and the radiation might give you 2nd. degree burns. And yes those are all possible, but every person will experience different sets of things. I had dental work done prior to starting my radiation and refused the feeding tube. It worked out for me.
Second, locate a chapter of SPOHNC. Support for People with Oral, Head, and Neck Caners. These groups are made up of people going through the treatments and those who have survived their cancers.
Third, I doubt that you will be finished in 3 years! I have a man in my support group who is 19 years out of treatment. There's another that survived 6 separate bouts with oral cancer! He's an all-star with the American Cancer Society. Go to a meeting and listen and learn. They can give you the scoop on the doctors and treatments.
Hang in there and get started on treatment.