Tina, I have been having computer problems so wasn't able to respond to your original post. Welcome to the site, even though I am a little late. Am very sorry to hear about your mom's situation. Will add her to the very long prayer list. I had a modified radical neck dissection after rad/chemo treatments. I stayed in post-op after surgery until the next morning (I was operated on in the late afternoon and didn't come out of it until about 9 PM) and was then discharged. I was in the hospital about 18 hours. Now I was only 53 at the time, and in very good condition other than the cancer, so your mom may need much more time recooperating. Also, I didn't have any removal of tongue tissue as my cancer was in the tonsil and lymph nodes, so her surgery may be more extensive than mine. But it is possible to have a neck dissection and be discharged in 24 hours. Bless you for taking care of your mom.