Hi, Boy I had to answer this one! I had this same operation, my tumor was reoved and they did the same operation at the same time 12 hours or more.I was a smoker , this probably does"t have anything to do with what she's goint through, I was 56 so I can't imagine what she feel at 81,This is a big shock to your body, I immediately felt frustrated i couldn't do anything for myself, I wrote what I wanted but you can tell no one really wants to take time to read it unless you have a big problem.Takes too long , we live in a fast paced world.When she gets in a regular hospital room it will be better.My flap failed within 3 weeks, I was home and doing well. They remove it put football helmet outside bar on, keep you for a week or more to be sure everythin is ok.If it fails e-mail me and I'll tell you what they do next. It's less of a problem than the original surgery.A nd I'll tell you one thing she WON't BE ABLE to smoke for a long long time. gnelson