Dawn, welcome to OCF. Im so glad you found this site. There are many herre who have successfully gone thru chemo/rad treatments. Some have also had surgeries to go along with it. The questions you are asking are your own choices. They are personal and while we arent doctors, only patients and their caregivers.

Your father sounds like he is in good health otherwise and should be able to lead a decent quality of life after he gets thru this. I have a feeding tube too. Ive used mine for almost 3 years. Some people have a feeding tube permanently for all kinds of different reasons.

Have you considered going for a second opinion? A couple OCF members have gone for 3, 4 or even 5 opinions before they chose what their treatment path would be. Please consider this before making a choice.

Ive gone thru chemo/radiation. Ive undergone the jaw removal operation too. That is one long difficult recovery but, it can be done. If your fathers mental state arent positive currently its completely understandable. Many have used antidepressants to get thru this. Pain is something nobody should have to be in. It does not help the patient at all. Many here have used the fentanyl patch. Hopefully you are able to get his pain under control quickly.

I know your job isnt an easy one. Being your fathers caregiver/advocate is something that takes alot of energy and caring. I wish you and your father the very best of luck with your choices.