My father was diagnosed last week w/ oral cancer. He is 56 years old, 57 in March and as far as we know otherwise no health issues. The ENT who spoke w/ us made the comment that he did not think my father should have the surgery, because he did not think my father would "live through it". The surgery he spoke of included much of what some of you have undergone, 2/3 tongue removal, portion of jaw bone, floor of mouth, neck and cheek. I am curious now about his comment, after digesting everything. Any opinions or thoughts on why he may have said this?

My dad meets w/ an oncologist on 3/7 so we will find out staging and if it has spread to more than lymphnodes then.

This is new to us so any input is appreciated.

Thanks, Tabitha