Tedebear,
Yes it does get better - about 4-6 weeks after completion of radiation. By the end of a year she should be almost back to normal. Radiation is no walk in the park. I can only imagine what was in my wifes thoughts as I was going through this. Usually you won't be dealing with all of the side effects at the same time. I was fortunate that my neck only had a sunburn effect. It was the first thing to heal. The last was the back of my throat where the radiation was targeted.

Try to keep fluid and nutrition up -that will make healing faster. Be watchful for secondary infections like thrush. Be sure to have adequate pain medications. Stay away from sick people and carefully disinfect all living areas (especially the kitchen and bathroom). These things will help mitigate the side effects.

Keep a daily journal of food and water intake, medications, temperature, side effects, pain, etc.

Keep in constant contact with the primary doctor or advice nurse if you have access to one. See the nutritionist weekly if you aren't already.