Nick- Your mom's situation is quite similar to many people on this board. So many were told that it was a blocked salivery glad or a virus or something like that when it was indeed cancer. My husband was misdiagnosed by three different doctors for over a year. He has been through radiation and four different chemos and the cancer is back and still spreading. He is currently on chemo with the hope of buying him somemore time. If only these doctors/dentists would send people to oral surgeons earlier there may be more early diagnosis.

Your mom's surgery sounds like what my husband had. He also had about 1/3 of his tongue removed. During the radiation he had the mouth sores also. Most people do. He was also extremely tired and had some nausea but was given medication for that. Make sure your mom has been told how many calories she needs right now. She may have to start wrting everything down to be sure she is getting enough fluids also. She may also experience peeling of the neck and surrounding area. They will give her cream for that and some mouthwash for her mouth. Very important that she report the symptoms to her doctor or nurse so they can help her alleviate them. Good luck.

Sue