Hi Jane, if your Mum is given pain medications, make sure she has something to prevent constipation or at least discuss this with her doctors. It may not happen to her, but it happens to many. It would be great to avoid this if you can. It is distressing if you are going through radiation which is challenging, to then have to manage something which could have been avoided.
I really feel for you and your family. Very best wishes to you and your Mum. Linda

Brother 49yo DX 22/6/11 Tonsil SCC HPV+ Stage IV T4N1(?)M0. Carbo/docetaxel (Taxotere)19/7, 11/8 (with E-tux), 1/9; E-tux 11/8, 25/8, 15/9, 30/9, 14/10, 28/10; IMRT X 35 (70gy tumour;63gy nodes;56gy gen area) 19/9-4/11/11. Clear PET scan 1/2/12. 1 and 2 year post treatment checks good.