Thank you Gail for the information. I wish they knew why but I know everyone ask that question when faced with a cancer diagnosis. I will let you know about the Erbitux. The side effects he has experienced from Erbitux are alot less than those taking Cisplatin or 5-FU so far and after tomorrow he only has one more chemo treatment to go. I hesitate to say these yet but so far he has not experience any nausea and is taking an amifostine shot everyday as well. The radiation side effects however have been pretty bad. Today they showed us how to irrigate the open wounds on his neck several times a day to try and prevent infection. Only 10 more to go.
Thanks again Gail - I will pass along the information to the rest of the family.

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