stephany,
You've really got to talk your mom into the feeding tube. Even with a tube, my mom has lost 50 lbs, but without it she wouldn't be eating anything. she really didn't want it either, but i know she's glad she made the decision to get one after everything was said and done. As for the experimental drug, i agree with gary -- it could be Iressa. My mom started it about 1.5 years ago. i think several hospitals throughout the country have been using it for oral cancer pts. -- and the results have been promising. I'm glad that you went for a second opinion. I wish I could help with info about the pain and infection, but I had a real hit and miss situation on my hands when it came to that. Trying to get the meds and pain in harmony was, and still is, a work in progress. I wish you and your mom all my best. Please take care of yourself as well. It's important that you stay on top of your own well being too.
Regards,
D