You mom will get through it with lots of support and love - radiation is hard - but doable! She should definitely take in as many calories now as she can - drink lots of fluids- too - and try to maintain her swallowing during treatment even if she's using a peg - i used cream religiously on the radiated areas - it helps with the burned skin - the baking soda water rinse is something I carried with me all the time. I rinsed my mouth frequently as it helps heal - assuming she ends up with mouth sores. (depends on where they radiate). Stop antioxidants if she's she's taking them. She will be fatigued - and she should be okay up to week 4 - after that it gets harder - and it's worse the two weeks following rads - it's cumulative. Good luck - take care and wish your mom the best!