Hi Stephany,
It appears as if I have had a "complete response" to treatment. The tumor melted into oblivion at about the third week into radiation. It was rough going but comparatively speaking, I had an easier time than many actually. The rad techs always commented how well I tolerated everything. Like everyone here, I am always waiting for the shoe to drop but so far so good. My radiation oncologist told me that she felt I had an 80%+ chance of survival based on her personal experience and the type of tumor and many other variables. I was blessed to have one of the best doctors in the world. UCSF was one of the early pioneers of IMRT (since 1995 at UCSF) and my radiation oncologist is also a professor of clinical radiology. Many radiology student doctors have and continue to peer down my throat.

We will help you to understand the process as it unfolds. My wife found a book, "Living Well With Cancer" by Katen Moore and Libby Schmais and it was great for demystifying everything. You actually have the worst job. It is truly far more difficult to be a caregiver than a patient. Watching a loved one suffer through this is disconcerting at best. At one low point in my treatment my wife thought I was going to "check out". It never ceases to amaze me just how well designed and resilient the human body is. I got to wear the caregiver hat when my Dad was dying of non Hodgkins lymphoma so I have an idea what you are going through. Fear of the unknown is the worst. Continue to educate yourself (as you are doing), ask lots of questions, be there for exams and take notes or tape record what the doctor says. Be an advocate for your Mom. You'll never regret it. This experience will teach you to value life and how precious it is. Keep as positive an attitude as you can - your mother will draw from this reservoir of strength from time to time. Ben Franklin once stated "That which hurts, instructs".

By the way, the American Cancer Society has drivers to take her to and from treatment. They also reimburse for mileage - call your local chapter. Caution: DO NOT let anyone near your mother who has a cold or flu (like sick drivers or children).

If your mother is on SDI then she automatically qualifies for "In Home Supportive Services" through the State of California. They pay $10.00/hr. for caregivers See: http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/cdssweb/In-HomeSup_173.htm for more info