My tumor was a stage 4 in my jaw bone and my surgery produced large, clean margins. I had one lymphnode show cancer, they called it microscopic, and it was the node that was up against the tumor. My oncologist and the tumor board decided against me having chemo. They said that it has not been proven to be a benefit. I realize the jury is still out on that one. There are many on here that did not have chemo. In your mothers position, I believe I would WANT the chemo along with the radiation. It's a shame they didn't give it to her the first go around.
Take care,
Minnie

SCC Left Mandible. Jaw replaced with bone from leg. Neck disection, 37 radiation treatments. Recurrence 8-28-07, stage 2, tongue. One third of tongue removed 10-4-07. 5-23-08 chemo started for tumor behind swallowing passage, Our good friend and much loved OCF member Minnie has been lost to the disease (RIP 10-29-08). We will all miss her greatly.