You're a good daughter for looking into this, and I am sorry your dad has found himself in this situation. This can be a tricky disease, and it's best that he be seen at a place that deals only with head and neck cancers.

I know it's a three-hour hike from Norfolk, but you should call the UVa Cancer Center in Charlottesville -- one of two National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers in the state (meaning that it is on the leading edge of research and treatment). It has a head and neck cancer center and as a state institution should have provisions for treating state residents who do not have insurance. The social workers there may know of state plans that could be helpful to your dad.

The Massey Cancer Center at VCU in Richmond (about an hour closer to you) is the other NCI-designated cancer center in the state. It has a head and neck surgery clinic that works with VCU med school's department of otolaryngology. VCU also receives state funding so should have provisions for state residents with no insurance. Again, check with the social workers there.