Hi Delly, I hope Dad is going ok. He will be quite swollen for some time. Initially from the surgery and then probably from Lymphoedema due to the neck dissection and removal of the lymph nodes. This lymphoedema takes years to subside. Kris's has improved heaps but he still has a small wattle under his chin.
Just keep being there for Dad. Just knowing you are loved is so therapeutic.
Maybe once Dad has recovered he will reconsider getting another pet. We recently got another dog, he responds Beautifully to Kris and his hand signals.
Dad needs time.
Tammy

Caregiver/advocate to Husband Kris age 59@ diagnosis
DX Dec '10 SCC BOT T4aN2bM0 HPV+ve.Cisplatin x3 35 IMRT.
PET 6/11 clear.
R) level 2-4 neck dissection 8/1/11 to remove residual node - necrotic with NED
Feb '12 Ca back.. 3/8/12 total glossectomy/laryngectomy/bilat neck dissection/partial pharyngectomy etc. clear margins. All nodes negative for disease. PEG in.
March 2017 - 5 years disease free. Woohoo!