Tinaelise, all of the posts above are good information and will give you a feel for what your Mom can expect. Don't worry too much. I know thats easy for me to say, but the surgery I had was the easiest part of treatment. And at age 53, tonsilectomies are not recommended by doctors due to the severity of the recovery. So trust us when we say surgery is not that big a thing. There will be pain, but the meds provided by the doctors will take care of that. Your Mom must take that medication to facilitate her healing process.

A positive attitude will also go a long way to help her get through this. Her attitude as well as your own. I know you will do all in your power to support her with your attitude and actions to provide her the highest level of comfort. I can tell from your post that you are a remarkable daughter and will take care of her. As mentioned, don't forget to take care of you also, as you have the harder job. Caregiving is a lot more difficult than just being the patient. I know, as my wife took care of me and in retrospect her job was a lot harder than just laying there asleep while the doctors did all of the work.

Will pray for you, your Mom and family that He will guide the doctors to achieve the best result and give you and your family the comfort you need to look forward to your Mom's complete recovery and defeat of this nasty disease.