Hi there I am new to this forum but I think I might can give you some information that will be helpful. I had a maxillectomy on my left side because of adnoid cystic carcinoma. I had more done a little more intailed. Part of my orbital bone and the cancer was wrapped around one of the nerves to my eye. But I did have 7 1/2 weeks of radiation. I was told about the dry mouth also. I was told the secret to dry mouth was to carry a bottle of water around with me and sip it and during the night. I have had no problems with dry mouth except for at night because my mouth isn't closed all the way. Do not sleep under a ceiling fan or have a fan blowing on you because this makes it worse. That was hard for me to get used to. lol The radiation was not bad. No pain. I did make a cd of my favorites and they let me play it during the treatment. Helped to make me not so nervous at the beginning. Two weeks after treatment I had really bad sores on my tongue which made it hard to eat or drink. A friend of mine to me to try Colgate Orabase. It's a white creme and it is a wonder drug. Over the counter. I don't know what I would have done without it. Let me know if I can be of help to you. God bless you and you will be a great comfort and help to your Mom. Tell her I said one day at a time.