Bee,

It sounds as if your dad may be considering a clinical trial similar to mine. Mine was a "Phase II randomized trial of surgery followed by chemoradiotherapy plus cetuximab..." I was in the docetaxel group. Several of my posts address my experience, although the side effects that I could attribute to just one of the treatments were primarily related to the cetuximab -- acne-like rash on face and neck, and cracks/fissures on the palms of my hands, fingers, heels and bottom of my feet. I had a mild headache during the first few days after my loading dose of cetuximab.

I did experience change in taste, fatigue, low grade fevers at different times during my treatment, and mouth sores that were pretty severe. These side effects can also occur with radiation, with docetaxel, and, except for change in taste, with cetuximab. I know that others on the forum will respond with their own experiences. From what I have learned on the forum and through my own research, it seems to me that most of the common side effects with the variety of treatments are manageable. It may be very difficult to compare side effects of the two drugs when the radiation and cetuximab effects also are present. And I have learned that each of us responds in an individual way to the different treatments.

You are so right about what a wonderful resource this site is. I know that it will help you and your dad as it has so many of us.