Well, Dad saw the oncologist today. They said his other CT scans were all clear of anything cancer related. Did see some signs of emphesema in the lungs...but that is another issue. As for what we are dealing with now...the oral cancer is stage 3 and the biopsy results from the left side of neck were unclear, but they are "assuming" it is cancer at this point. He has 2 tumors there. The doctor told us this might happen, because he was unable to extract enough fluid through the FNA.

They are recommending 3 6 week cycles of treatment. Sounds like 6 weeks of chemo, followed by 6 weeks of radiation/chemo, and then 6 weeks of radiation. Does this sound right? All in all they told him to take off 20 weeks at work, and that is if all goes well.

They are pulling his bottom teeth prior to starting radiation. He has no upper teeth of his own, and bottoms are not good to start w/ due to years of drinking(although he has been sober for 12 years).YEA Dad! Also told him about inserting chemo port around the 19th and talked to him about feeding tube. They said possible to do both at same time, but not sure how that would work. Would he be able to keep eating as long as able, or if the tube is inserted would he go right to tube feeding??

He is having trouble w/ idea of losing all his teeth and the feeding tube, but I told him what I read here about it sounding horrible, but turning out to be easier to deal w/ than you would think. They did say a home nurse would tend to that.?.

I am planning on going back to Michigan to see him on the 15th and staying through his first few treatments. My brother will be moving there at same time.

Any input or thoughts on this very lengthy post are welcome and appreciated. I keep you all in my prayers...

Tabitha