Hi Christy,
The odor thing is symptomatic of something going on that's for sure. My tumor didn't have any odor issues - it was just a big tan rubbery blob. It also didn't cause any pain. Oral cancer and most cancers in general are typically painless unless they get large enough to press against another organ. It sounds like they might do a resection if she's going to be there for a couple of days. But then again it is fairly common to keep people in the hospital for a few days as a result of being under general anesthesia or the possibility of bleeding, hematomas or infection- especially at her age and health condition.

I am confused about the need for a second biopsy - you said earlier that she was already Dx'd with oral cancer - I take that to mean that the biospy was positive - and if so, what type of oral cancer, SCC, adenocarcinoma, melanoma, etc.? You are also speculating on the staging. They really need all of the Dx information first. If the tumor is indeed 2" (or larger than 4cm) than it is either a stage III or IV, depending on whether there is regional metastesis. Are they SURE it is, in fact, a tumor? Have you spoken directly with the doctors? Odors are usually always signs of infection or tissue necrosis.

And what other health issues? - if she is diabetic, for instance, she may have wounds that are very slow to heal and not as responsive to antibiotic therapy.

I asked my H&N surgeon one time why a 6 or 8 week exam cycle and he told me that it would allow enough time to respond to a recurrence or other issue without things getting out of control.

I need to add also that I am not a doctor, these are just my personal opinions and not to be construed as any form of medical advice.