This is the first time I've posted anything, but I've been reading a lot of information on here for a few months now. We knew absolutely nothing about oral cancer before all of this. Thanks to this site, I feel like I at least have some kind of idea as to what what's going on so thank you! My dad was diagnosed with BOT SCC which spread to the lymph nodes in both sides of his neck. He finished his last radiation treatment last week. He was supposed to get 7 Erbitux treatments, but his mouth was so incredibly sore and in such bad shape after about 4 treatments, they decided to stop those. He has a PEG which I think has been wonderful for him (but of course he hates it). He's discouraged because he thought he would be feeling better by now, but he's not. He also thought he would be able to get the feeding tube removed as soon as treatments stopped, but the dr. told him he should keep it in about 2 months. He's a very strong man and wants his life back the way it was and is having a very hard time accepting that he's sick. I know everyone is different, but how long does it usually take them to start feeling better. He's 70 but he's strong and healthy (besides the cancer). Also, it looks like the cancer has responded well to the radiation. We're expecting a clean PET scan in a few months. Is the being overly optimistic?