Donnarose - Tell your Mom not to worry about the lymph nodes. My son (Stage 2 SCC) had one sixth of his tongue removed and 48 lymph nodes. His neck looks just the same as before the surgery except for a hardly noticeable scar which looks the same as what Sharlee describes - a crease in his neck. The swelling has almost completely disappeared and he is only about 4 months post treatment - a little thinner but just as handsome as ever! The real beauty of course is the one that comes from inside and your Mom already has this! I'm sure she really appreciates your being there for her through all this. Just keep researching and asking all the questions you can think of here, and with the doctors. Try to stay positive, for her and for you, too.