I went thru the mandibulectomy. It was in no way easier than radiation. I did have a difficult time and ended up with an extended stay in the hospital. I was there for 2 months. The recovery til I was in pretty good shape took me about 6 months post surgery. I had healing problems which made it take longer for me to recover. I ended up doing hyperbaric oxygen treatments, a wound vac, having a picc line for 7 months with IV antibiotics, a visiting nurse for a year and physical therapy. If nothing else, please remember everyone is different and will respond to treatments in their own way. I was an exception and had a very hard time. That is not to say that this is easy, its a big operation (mine was 10 hours) and its hard on your body.

If you want to read my blog, that may help you gain some insight into what your mother will be going thru. Its in the blog section, titled 'My Mini Blog'.