Boston, I had surgery first followed by radiation which I am convinced is the better way. I have close friend that had radiation and chemo first, a small lump remained and then had the surgery to have it removed ( everything was fine - no signs of cancer ). He though seems to have had a far rougher time recovering from surgery than I did - healing on radiated tissue vs. normal tissue. Seems like it is 50/50 on this approach and highly debated. So, not that unusual but I went surgery first as I wanted that damn lump out and for them to do a pathology report on the lymp nodes then and there. Good luck to your Dad and let us know.