Hi Amy,
I can't answer positively about the trach since I didn't have one but I would imagine that they would remove it once the swelling has gone down. The swelling could by caused by lymphedema or reactions to the treatment. Most here, in her situation, have had their traches removed within a week or less.

When they plan radiation therapy they do extend it to have "clear margins", as in a surgical procedure, as well. The reason for the clear margins concept is that tumors are much like an octopus and have "legs" that spread out.

I turned 60 in June - our generation is tough. Very few people in my high school class have died.

The healing process is slow and tedious and one must be very patient. Your mom probably won't notice any changes for several weeks and then it will be slow in the beginning. She should be doing ok by Christmas if she is careful about thrush and exposure to sick people. Her immune system will take a while to recover.