My 87-year-old father has just been diagnosed with base of tongue cancer with enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, and will be beginning radiation very soon. He is to have a radiation treatment once a day, five days a week, for five or six weeks. He now weighs about 140 pounds at 6' tall. He does not eat well nor regularly. He is a rather uncooperative person, and I fear for him after what I have read on the message boards about what others have experienced. About eleven years ago he had successful radiation for prostate cancer, and he thinks that this should be the same. Already he coughs, is hoarse, has the sore throat, and I suspect a feeding tube will become necessary. Can anyone give me ideas about what the radiation will be like? He lives alone but has someone to do the cooking for him. Also, does having enlarged lymph nodes in the neck necessarily mean metastases? I have been told by two nurses that it is strongly indicative of metastases. I would really appreciate anyone who can speak to my concerns. Thank you. Maggie