Hi Leonard..I am not new to this site but faily new to the whole oral cancer situation...I noticed something like a canker in my mouth about december last year and this month had the tumor removed...so if that helps at all all I know and if it is any comfort the waiting is the hardest just keep yourself busy and take one day at a time I am still waiting for results from surgery so yeah I have to say that the waiting is hard and as far as soft food goes it's was kinda trial and error for me..stuff I really liked then figured out how to mince it or soften it enough to eat it....Just keep encouraging your dad and do normal stuff...and just be there for him which it is obvious you are doing already...take care and one day at a time