Danielle, I went through the surgery/radiation/chemo cycle twice. First time was pretty tough since they had to do radiation to my tongue, (remooved about 1/6 of tonge and did neck dissection. The pain was pretty intense for the last week of treatment. I have a pretty high tolerance for pain medications apparently, but not for pain so it took more med than usual to keep the pain down first time. No PEG tubes either time.

Second time was radiaton only to the neck, and really did well with that one. Walked home from the hospital after treatments most days, took mass transit around for transportation. Did the 3 hour trip from where I was staying for treatment to home every friday/monday. Went back to work 2 weeks after finishing.

Not only are each person's experiences different, but sometimes the same person can have 2 different expereinces.

Your mother has a great support person, will need all you help and love during the next though weeks. Be understanding of her feelings and all should be alright.
Bob