K,

Your father has been through a LOT, a lot for anyone of any age. Since you need solid and practical advice and he is in a nursing facility as he can no longer take care of himself, you may find answers and support from hospice service.

It may seem quite depressing when this service is brought but the word has a HUGE stigma and everyone instantly thinks the worst. In fact, hospice is a good resource during times such as yours. They are helpful even if your father does not qualify for services as they work with families such as yours all the time.

Since they are familiar with your situation they may have suggestions to help you navigate these next turns in the road.

With respect to who to contact. With the POA, you can access his records and interact with his doctors and staff. First, make a list of the doctors he has seen and for what and who his current doctors are and what they do. Make sure to include the support functions too such as the lab and their number, the imaging center, etc.

Since he is in a nursing facility now, he has to have a doctor "of record", someone who is his primary contact. Get that name and number and start calling and finding out what they know and offer to your father.

I have a hunch the assigned doctor may not be the one you need to speak to the most. In other words, the radiologist or oncologist or ENT who treated him are the ones with the most detailed account to help you going forward. He probably has been assigned off to "regular" primary physician or one who works with the nursing facility to care for the patients there.

You have a lot on your plate so it is important to get focused and have a plan. It's good to hear you are getting your arms around such a complicated and stressful situation. Good luck, don