Karen, I am sure this is all very new to you and I understand it can all be overwhelming. If your mother is being treated in a decent (large) hospital, then her doctors are doing everything possible to help. I don't believe what you have described is outside the normal range of side effects when tissue grafts are done. Ask her doctors the next time you see them and don't let them go until you are satisfied with the answers you get.

Likely she will face radiation therapy, something that many of us have been through. Keep asking questions here as you and your mom go down this path.

Take care and have Hope.

Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.