Nancy:
I have a met on my left, 6th rib. The doctor biopsied this met (rather than the tumor in my lung with associated risks) to determine the type of lung cancer - bronchogenic carcinoma (a sub-set of adenocarcinoma). They also tested the biopsy for the EGFR mutation.
My doctor told me that if the biopsy showed non-small cell lung cancer, then she would start me immediately on Tarceva b/c it is less toxic than traditional IV chemo. If Tarceva did not work, or if it stops working in the future, my doctor will prescribe IV chemo. I hear that the new IV chemos for lung cancer are pretty good at keeping the cancer in check - especially Altima. They are also working on approving Avastin for lung cancer patients in conjuction with traditional IV chemo. Avastin decreases the blood vessels to the cancer tumor and many patients have seen significant shrinkage of their lung tumors.... Although your father would be precluded from the clinical trial if he starts on Tarceva, I'm sure that he would still have "traditional" IV chemo available if the Tarceva does not work. Again, it is something to look into.