Thank you so much for your replies and I am so pleased that you have completed the treatment and are doing well!!!

Initially my dad was planning to start radiation but it was felt that chemo would not be necessary. The ENT and oncologist have done further studies including the PET and Cat Scan and currently are recommending both radiation and chemo. The Dr. indicated that the surgery would be extremely disfiguring for him and his quality of life would be limited so he has definitely decided against surgical intervention.

Of course I realize that at 78 years old, it should be expected that serious medical issues would arise but I felt like it was a kick in the stomach when we found out all the details today. He has always seemed so vibrant for his age but now reality is setting in for my family.