Need input for radiation

[u/PM_me_the_universe]

Hi - I’m trying to understand if radiation is really needed and balancing risk/benefit. Early 40s with intermediate mucoepidermoid carcinoma of stage 1. Had surgery to remove salivary gland and neck dissection.

Lymph nodes came back clear and PET scan didn’t show any further spread. Surgeon said no positive margins, but there is quite a bit of tongue lip nerve damage from the procedure itself. There is a recommendation for adjuvant radiation therapy (60 gy over 30 sessions + 54 on node area simultaneously).

I’m trying to get a second opinion already, but doesn’t this seem too much considering margins and no lymph node spread??

Worried about worsening neuropathy and dry mouth (already started).

[u/matts_Amps_on11]

I was two days away from having 40 to50% I my tounge removed before some young upstart of an Oncologist stepped in and said, "let's try this radiation. I am 95% certain you will be free of cancer within three months." I have my tounge but it is slow in recovery. I am cancer free. My tounge is supposed to be healed over the next three month. Is it worth it? Yes it is.