My dad had his biopsy came back stage 4 in lymph nodes both sides and mediastinal. went to see radiation Dr. He stated chemo would be most helpful along with approx. 3-4 rad tx's. We see Oncologist today to find out what he says. Does this dound accurate? Also, He got approx. 16 thousand in bills this last week. He's real happy! Any info would be appreciated
-Daughter who cares!

It is very unusual to have the cancer spread to nodes on both sides of his neck. Also I don't understand what you meant by 3-4rads Tx's as nearly all of us had around 35 rad sessions. We will be happy yo answer any and all questions you may have.

Sorry, I mean 15-20 rad tx's, the oncologist said today that lymph nodes on both sides of neck are effected and the mediastinal area. The Dr. has proposed 3 types of chemo, a port is scheduled to be put in next week for chemo, 4 day continuous tx at home using a infusuin pump that he will have to carry around. Then the rad tx's will begin. He stated 3 cycles of chemo, 19 day break in between. He told my dad 35-40 percent chance to survive 5 years. I just wonder if this is normal procedure and how bad the side effects will be for him. Is this chemo pump a normal thing to go home with? Oh, and another procedure great!!
Its all or nothing right? Thanks for your support

No it really doesn't sound like the normal Tx we all got/get especially the 15-20 rad Tx's. Where is this treatment supposed to take place? Is this a major cancer center? How does the doc know that the nodes on both sides are affected, by a path report or by guessing? If this were me I would be getting another opinion from a CCC.

CCC's

http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/resources/cancer_centers.htm

BEST CANCER HOSPITALS

http://health.usnews.com/health/best-hospitals/cancer-hospital-rankings/

Thank you David, it helps to know if everything is being done right. My father is not going to have any surgery. Something that he would have to go to a university for like the U of M down state and the ENT said the tumor is to large for him to do here. The pet scan showed areas on both sides of his neck. My dad is old school taking away his ability to eat,talk or possible be disfigured just isn't his wish. I feel he has a good chance to make it through this TX and hope it tames it. The Dr. did day point blank that cancer will be back when who knows. Thank you for you input. They must do things differently at universities. Munson Medical Center in Traverse City , MI is the only hospital in northern michigan. It has a No#1 Cardiothoracic team and is working on increasing the size of the Oncology area. Think Spring its 50 degrees here today!!!

It is always best to get a 2nd opinion if at all possible. Even if the protocol you are suggesting didn't sound unusual to any of the more learned people on this forum (myself being so new as to not qualify) having a 2nd opinion will be more than helpful. You don't want either you or your father to lack any confidence in the care he's receiving when he's in the midst of an unpleasant treatment. It is yet another piece of the psychological puzzle that gets overlooked. You'll want to be able to move forward knowing he is getting the best possible care specific to your father's diagnosis. And, you'll want to be committed to your treatment protocol without having to worry that it is the right one.

ps. stay warm and give my regards to Gitchigumi! Best of luck to you and your father!