In my years of fighting this disease we found out that my body does far better in recovering from surgery than it does radiation. My body never healed from radiation a year after treatment and I developed ORN from treatments as well. Yes, surgery is major and lots of things can happen. I contracted MRSA in my nose but it was caught and treated while I was in the hospital. I think either way your body has to fight something it normally wouldn't. I would be fearful to with the history of winter deaths. I pray that you are able to find a conclusion that gives both you and your mom peace.