lauriern,
My father had unknown primary but the left neck dissection was performed prior to beginning any treatments. His was less than 4 cm. He also was never a smoker. Is it possible they felt your husband's needed to shrink so that surgery could be performed? I have extremely limited experience with all of this and I am sure many on this forum might be able to provide you more assistance. Is he being treated at a major comprehensive cancer center? I can tell you everyone on this forum would tell you to ask and continue to ask all of your questions. As lenny said try not freak out but I know it is very hard. Many people have survived this your husband will too.
Continue to post and let us now how things go.
God bless
Kim

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