Well, she may just take the prize for the toughest 71 yr. female old I ever heard about. HOpe you inherited a good share of her genes. While I know this is truly hard on you, Hopefully you can figure out a way to honor her wishes to be at home for as long as possible and keep her pain free at the same time. When John's recurrance presented, there were 2 things his Doc told me [that I did not want to hear at the time, but now appreciate being forewarned about] #1. Dying from Head and neck cancer is NOT a pretty sight. #2. Pain management becomes all important [for the patient's sake and the family's] and there needs to be good communication among everyone involved. Sending prayers to your family. Amy in the Ozarks