Hi Delly. I can't remember how long my swelling lasted. I know it was quite a long time and if the medical professionals he sees think it's normal it probably is. I thought I looked like a puffer fish after surgery but that eventually went down followed by a lower level of swelling that lasted months. I wish your father well.

1996, ovarian cancer surgery + cisplatin and taxol.
September, 2007, SCC of left lateral tongue. Excision.
October, 2009 recurrence in scar tissue, T1NOMO. Free flap surgery from left wrist - neck dissection. 63 year old New Zealander. No chemo, no RT.
February, 2014. New primary in left buccal mucosa. Marginal mandibulectomy, neck dissection, right arm free forearm flap. T1N0M0 but third occurrence and some areas of concern: RT started 8 April and finished 19 May.