Hi Michele,
I had an unknown primary in 1997 with a metatsis to one lymph node in the neck. I had modified neck dissection followed by 36 XRT treatments. No chemo. They did not feel at that time that the chemo would improve my chances, which were excellent, more than about 5% and the side effects were too great. BUT that was 1997 chemo.

I was given Salagen to help preserve the saliva glands. See that he gets something. My treatments basically fried eveything from the top of my ears to my armpits, for lack of medical terms. Two weeks into treatment, they had fried my tongue so badly I could not longer eat so wound up on Ensure Plus. At that point they made a stent to
protect my tongue. I would also ask for some Biafine creme to protect his skin from rad treatments. This should be started now.

Anyway, I'm still quite alive 9 years later, despite a new occurence almost 5 years ago with known primary on the larynx. So don't let an unknown primary scare you. Hopefully whatever rouge cell started this has 'now left town', but if not, he needs the full radiation treatment to make certain it hasn't got any firends.

It's a rough road, but doable. I was back to work 3 weeks post treatment and able to eat some foods in small quantiies. Everyone's body acts differently. Were here to help you any way we can. Keep posting.

Take care,
Eileen