Rachael, your mom is going to have a rough time from the rads and chemo as well as her war with this stuff. If it will help take recoedwe ith you to the appts and that way you can hear for sure what was said. Get her involved with this site like they are telling you, It will help her to understand better. Good luck

Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here