hi.....my dad was just diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. he has three sites.one in his throat,one in his cheek,and one in his back 1/3 of his tongue.mri showed that it has definitely hit at least one lymphnode on the same side.it also is necrosis.the tumors in his throat and tongue actually ate through to the outside skin.so there are tunnels in his mouth.he has lost at least 70 lbs.the drs said doing surgery would not be any more effective than radiation and chemo.he said it wouldnt really help at this stage.i guess i am just looking for honest answers.the dr said if he did nothing it would probably kill him in 2-6 months.i know my dad will most likely die from this but i want to know if anyone knows the ranges?his blood tests and cts were clear for cancer in the liver or lungs.

Please, please, please..dont give up hope and assume your dad will die!!!! My mom had a LATE stage 4, and had RAD and chemo, and then 2 neck dissections(plus others stuff too), and I am happy to report ALL of the cancer in the oral cavity was cured. And unlike your dad, she didnt go for the other tests, so the cancer had spread to other areas, but by the time we found out, it was too late for her.
My point is, though...since he is clear in lungs, etc, please dont throw in the towel! It can and has been cured....read posts here.....you will see!! This board is FULL of encouraging stories....
Brooke

Get a second opinion......my husband had stage 4 oral cancer and bone cancer also.....Ent wanted to send him home with chemo to die.......we opted for surgery, which involved removal of lower half of face........jaw rebuilt from leg bone...new tongue, bilateral neck disection, and right now he is cancer free........so please get a second opinion

Daddy's Girl, Please don't give up at this point. Get a second and third opinion if you need too. Tell your Dad about this website and if need be print out some of the posts for him to read. There is much information here and plenty of good vibes from those of us that are either going through treatment, surviors and caretakers.

Take care and please let us know how we can help and keep us informed. You and your Dad are in our thoughts.

Anne.

Daddys girl............ I just read both of your posts and I am so sorry to hear your father's prognosis. However, I am in agreement with the other posters on this board and that is to get another opinion. It certainly can't hurt, and it may in fact help. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Keep us posted! Sincerely, Donna

Hi, I am a cancer survivor but I have been in your shoes.My Mom was told she had ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease. There is nothing they can do for you with this.She went to another state to a big clinic and got a second opinion. It was the same, but doing this gave her and us peace of mind. We knew we were not going down the wrong road.I think dealing with her disease and watching what it did to her was harder on me mentally than dealing with my own.Do things for yourself to get your mind off of it. Help your Dad by being cheerful about everyday little things,help him take a trip or watch old movies ,my mom loved Forrest Gump. Anything he wants to do big or small help him, no matter if they do surgery or not ,just be there. Good Luck gnelson