Have you had a chance to read the section of this site on radiation treatment? You may particularly want to know about what kind of side effects to expect, the percentage of the patients who suffer from these side effects, how they may impact your mother's life post-treatment, what kind(s) of medication she may need to help reduce pain from the side effects. The hospital my husband is being treated at has a range of information pamphlets, from how to deal with constipation (from taking painkillers), doing saline soaks for radiation burns, to feeding tube management etc. Get hold of as many of these as you can if they have it at the doctor's office and read through them. It is all invaluable information. Good luck to you and your Mom.