The delay is so the tissues can have time to heal before they get blasted by the radiation. 4 to 6 weeks is what I have heard is average. It sounds like your mother is receiving excellent care. You might take a look around the rest of the OCF web site there are extensive resources to read here.

Hang in there, you are doing fine! and yes this is a dance alright sometimes I wonder if it isn't the with the devil.

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.