My father was diagnosed in January, 2006 and had a modified left side neck dissection Feb. 10, 2006. He handled the surgery well and we are about to begin radiation on Monday. He had his first chemo treatment last week. Scott, I was unable to convince my father to go to a CCC so the local doc's are handling his case. Although we are just beginning things seem to be going ok and this website has been a tremendous help in comparing treatment options. Because my father would not go to a CCC, I needed somewhere to go to compare the treatment his was receiving to what was considered the best available. I don't know your father's situation, but my father, age 66, was in better health than me and has never smoked so this diagnoses was a shock. Although any cancer diagnoses no matter what your situation is always a shock. My father is trying the new drug recently approved for head and neck cancer, Erbitux. He refused a PEG, so the oncologist wanted to get some chemo into him and felt this would be a good choice. Keep your chin up Scott and I like others on this board would recommend being very active in your Dad's treatment. You can never have enough ears. I have a notebook I take to all the doctor visits and even though I don't remember writing alot of the items during the visits they have become an invaluable reference tool as questions come up.
Our thoughts are with you and your family.