Thank you Mark Joanna, Charlie and Delia! Treating this disease is just so hard and confusing. One of the most difficult things for me has been there is no clear cut answer when you ask what is the appropriate treatment. Guidelines exist but there are as they say just guidelines. My Dad seems to be doing a little better this weekend. Only 11 more treatments and 2 chemo so at least we are close. The RO and his Oncologist are currently managing the pain it seems but as you all know the pain meds cause additional side effects that you have to manage on top of everything else. Oddly enough, I have to say one of the most frustrating things for my Dad has been everyone from nurses to the Rad tech to every single doctor we have seen ask him "Are you a smoker?" My Dad can't hardly take that question anymore - as he has never smoked in his life. I feel like getting him a hat that he can wear all the time that says "I am not a smoker".
Thanks again

Caregiver to Father:Stage III unknown primary; modified left side neck dissection 2/2006; 8 wk trmts of Erbitux 3/2006 with-37 radition treatments; 11.2010; biopsy of base of tongue results questionable. 9.2013 tumor on left side of tongue; squamous cell cancer. 10.2.2013 Hemiglossectomy(1/2 tongue removed) with reconstruct tongue using left thigh tissue;surgery included IORT.
25 additional IMRT radiation trtmts & 5 wks/chemo. Carbo & Taxol combo.NPO;100% PEG depend;aspiration pneumonia 3/2014