Shaz,
My mom was diagnosed more than 6 years ago and had radiation alone. She is now in the hospital for a 2 time infection related to a back surgery last July. But this non-healing is a result of poor nutrition, due to the side effects and changes related to her radiation. I am now kicking myself for not reading more and learning more- so I encourage you to spend lots of time on this site and also SPOHNC site because you need to know a lot- for now and in the future! So get to it and good luck! My prayers are with you and your family.