Hi, I had sub mandibular mucoepidermoid salivary cancer. I was told at the time that if it had been parotid and low grade like it was, that I would not need radiation. Since mine was sub-mandibular, then I did have to have radiation. Had 33 treatments. Taste buds are returning pretty well. (finished tx in mid June) some dry mouth which appears to be improving but will probably always be there to some degree. My thyroid got fried in the process and now am on thyroid... which I can live with. My eustacian tubes also got burned a bit, and they do not drain my ears as well as pre-radiation... but everything is getting progressively better. So basically, it wasn't that bad.
I guess one of the deciding factors would be what stage you were at and type. It is still a hard decision though. Good luck