Pictures helped my mom a lot. She spent a lot of time editing them with different programs on the computer and covering our walls with them.
Mom did go through a few periods where she was down. We would just give her space. She would stay in her room and read. We would pop in and out to make sure she knew we were there.
I always tried to be super positive about things too. Sometimes realism is just what my mom needed tho. She didn't like things sugar coated. Hope is one thing but acting like having your tongue and jaw removed isn't a big deal is another thing. This website is what made the biggest turn around for my mom. Maybe you should introduce her to it.

Best of Luck,
Amy