hi thank you for your story and advice eric S!
future FIL went into surgery on wednesday. the tumor was removed and the doctors are fairly certain and optimistic they got it all out. the flap was taken of his chest/side area and inserted- apparently during the surgery they were at first not going to insert the flap, and leave it open, but then decided to.
i am not sure if there was a full neck dissection or not.
he was in the ICU wednesday through sunday and then today he was moved into regular surgical inpatient! they said hes been healing well and is no longer considered "urgent care".
thank you for your advice so far and ill continue to keep you updated/ask questions.

*KATIE*
future FIL dx with s4 SCC in jaw11/09 15 hour surg/trach/PEG in. 7 weeks of cisplatin/rads. 6/10- cancerous lung nodule- 1 wk of radiation. 8/13 pneumonia. 8/24 pulmonary embolism, on ventillator. 9/3/10 died peacefully w/o pain with family. 9/17/10 my wedding