First thing -- you are as strong as anyone on these boards. Believe it. And the alveolar bone refers to the ridge of the jawbone, where the teeth are set in.

And she does have a PEG? Try to use it to relieve her of the chore of keeping nourished and to keep her from getting dehydrated. Dehydration in particular makes a person feel dreadful and makes nausea much worse. Some outpatient departments will also "top up" chemo patients with a bag or two of IV fluids. You could ask. For the PEG I highly recommend asking for a pump to give her liquids slowly. They are easy to operate, really. Use the antinausea meds liberally.

Two points from posts above. One, radiation is the only curative treatment as I understand things. Radiation to the head and neck can be brutal. And it carries significant quality of life implications during and after treatment. It will be very hard to come back to her previous level of functioning. Next point made was to be sure to let your mom tell you honestly how she feels about treatment. Is this what she wants? If it is. then go for broke. But are you and your siblings able to accept it if she's tired of pain and loss? It might be wise to ask her in no uncertain terms about her wishes.

Listen, I'm just going to be direct. I've been a nurse for a very long time. Many times I have seen families (my patients were all children) want every possible thing done for their loved one. It is natural and understandable to never give up the fight. Sometimes though, things move from a grey area to black. You never know exactly when you hit that point but you hit it all the same. Some mountains are too high to climb. And after living a long life, sometimes death isn't the enemy, it is a kind friend.

I would encourage your family to lay it all out, as painful as it is. I am certain you all will help her through this with tenderness and compassion. I am certain she will have the benefit of your full support no matter what she decides. And you will have the full support of the people on this site, no matter what happens.

Forgive me if I have said anything hurtful or been callous and insensitive. That truly is not my intention. Wishing you strength in the coming days/weeks/months.