Bruno - I'm so sorry to hear about your mother's not wanting to go ahead with treatment. You say that "She prefers to live 1-2 years in her current condition" - but without treatment, the pain she is having now will only get worse and and could worsen rapidly and with all the other complications that Brian mentioned above. My son also had pain associated with the SCC under his tongue and it was only when the pain got so bad that he finally went to the doctor. Since often, there is no pain associated with this cancer, it was lucky for him it did because that's what decided him to go for treatment. The doctors told my son the pain was caused by the cancer being wrapped around a nerve. How sad it must be for you and for all those who love your Mom to see her giving up this way when survival is such a real possibility! Please try to impress on her how her refusal for treatment, will affect not only her quality of life, but it will affect all those around her who love her and care about her. I don't know how I would have survived as my son's caregiver if he had not decided to fight this horrible cancer. My heart goes out to you, Bruno - and to your Mom. I hope that she will re-think her decision. Please stay with us and let us know how your Mom and you are doing.