I think I was the first person on here to have IMRT, and while I was burned clear around my neck and on my jaw, after a dry spell,I have regained 85% of my saliva, do not have to travel with a water bottle, and can eat pretzels and sandwiches, and lick envelopes, and I can spit! The burns, exacerbated by the chemo, were very bad and even though I have a very high tolerance for pain, I needed some good drugs for a few weeks. I would do it all again, though, because the outcome has been fantastic. JetAgeHobo is exactly correct about the skill of the radiologists. In my case, there is a book 4 inches thick with the treatment plan used. I met with the physicist and the radiation oncologist to plan the treatment, and was very impressed with the time and skill that went into it. As time passes and statistics are compiled, I am quite sure that IMRT will become the treatment of choice for head and neck patients. So Bill, if that is available and the docs are experienced with it, I would recommend that for your dad. My best wishes for good results go out to both of you.
Joanna