Hi there. Your sister's cancer sounds exactly the same as mine - non BOT and non HPV related - so what they did to her is on par with what should have been done. She will be okay post op. I looked HORRENDOUS post op. It was hard to get comfortable because I was numb, swollen, bruised, stitched, had IV's, catheters, feeding tubes and bandages everywhere... all this considered, she's probably horrified. Tell her 10 days to 2 weeks from now, she will be remarkably better. Surprisingly, the surgical element is a breeze compared to radiation. I was eating okay at the three week mark. And speaking with a bit of a lisp once the trache was removed. ;o) she will get there - assure her. If she has a facebook page tell her to friend me. She can see me now 25 months out of radiation - 28 months out of surgery. Other than minor scarring (okay admittedly my wrist scar is NOT PRETTY) I feel terrific. There is always fallout from radiation but being proactive helps with that. ;o) best of luck and give her a hug from me.