Fever generally means an infection. That and depending on his bloodwork they sometimes suspend treatment as he could end up with a systemic infection which would most definitely kill him and likely faster than the cancer. The open wounds on his neck... is it cancer related? or is it from radiation? Its very hard to operate after radiation because the skin area does not heal properly. Did they remove his nodes surgically? It looks like they didn't but I can't tell for sure. I am assuming they radiated him on his neck - I would ask if they could maybe squeeze in more depending on how much the area received. Usually the standard treatment for this cancer (base of tongue) is radiation and chemo - which he has had. Then if need be surgery. It's the opposite for non HPV oral cancer. If the tumors are not shrinking then I would push them to move on and do the surgery. Assuming he is not too sick. I am not sure what the reason for changing chemo mid way through is - usually a dr. will do this if there are pressing medical issues - immune system bottoming out, (unlikely as they simply changed the chemo), severe reaction or symptomology (allergies, and hearing loss etc...) I would definitely get a consult - Hopkins is supposed to be a good hospital. Is Farber in NY? If so I would maybe ask them.
Sometimes drs have a high handed approach to things and don't realize it's affecting their patients and family. If you ask to speak with him and express your concerns and ask your question and still get blown off then I would seek out a different opinion, simply because you need to trust your drs. If you don't have that, you will be second guessing them and yourself. Just don't suspend treatment until you have another plan in place.
best of luck.