While my cancer diagnosis was not for upper jaw, but for laryngeal cancer, maybe this might help. The tumor was found on my epiglottis, right above my vocal cords. Like your mom's mine had not spread to any other locations. So it was classed as a stage 1, size of tumor was a 2. I had appointments with a ENT surgeon who felt surgery was not required at that time. I then went to a radiation oncologist who suggested 40 treatments. I had 40 radiation treatments of my head and neck, which was completed last July 31st. Since then I have been cancer free. My chances for a complete recovery are very good. There are a lot success stories here on the site. Keeping a positive attitude will help and go a long way for you and your mom to get through all this.

Mike D.

Diagnosed 06/2002, w/Laryngeal cancer, 1st stage