Thanks, Christine--your comments really helped.
HOWEVER, I'm really really worried about my mom going through surgery and tx during winter months. My Dad died 4 years ago from a staph infection after a hospitalization for pneumonia. My friend's dad died last winter from pneumonia after a grueling chemo/radation week.

I find it amazing that we can't reach a conclusion to this.

Mom age 84 dx stage IV papillary cancer mandible 10/10; non-smoker, drinker, HPV-. Surgery 2/16/2011; mandibulectomy. 0 pos lymph nodes, has been in long-term hospital since March 2011. Returned home 8/11, permanent PEG tube.