The first thing that strikes me about your post, aside from the truths mentioned in the first two replies, is that the Doc that would say "once the cancer gets into the lymph nodes, the prognosis is not good". This is far from the truth. Either he/she didn't say this or you misunderstood. This the least of his problems. Also, with the planned surgery as you describe it, it is hard to imagine that a feeding tube will not be needed.

It seems to me, that you need another opinion and you should be at a comprehensive cancer center.

Putting all this aside, if your husband has no plans of quitting his smoking and drinking, there probably is no point in persuing any treatment. I think everyone here will agree with this!!!!!

Jerry