Worried Daughter, I want to chime in as another who felt better right way after 7 weeks of chemo/rad stopped. I was burned, but on drugs so I felt no pain, and I got stronger daily. Every single one of us is different, but I think that independent spirit you mention will go a long way to helping her recover. And although I have very fair skin, I did not burn until week 7, so your mother may escape that, which will be a great help. Please let us know how she is doing.