How bad is chemo/rad for 88 year old?

I am quite concerned that my 88 year old mother may not be able to take the adverse effects of chemo or radiation.  She was diagnosed with gb cancer with one liver lesion last week and we have opted not to go through an operation.  We still are waiting for an appointment with an oncologist.  Just wondering from those with experience how bad chemo./radiation is/was for them and if they think an 88 year old would be able to  endure its harsh effects???  Any information/advice would be greatly appreciated.

My MIL is 83 and is having minimal ill effects from chemo.

Granted she has been a very healthy woman to this point... a little artritis and a pill for an abnormal heart rythm, but she also goes to the gym for water aerobics  with a group of elderly 3 times a week.

They started her with 2 weeks on, one week off with her chemo she was nauseous and anemic.... When they switched her to one week on, one week off, she has done much better.

She needs a nap every afternoon, and she had little appetite (although she makes sure she eats 3 meals a day) and she is losing her hair... but she is taking the treatment well. She hasn't even taken the composine the prescribed.

My advice, start the treatment and see how the responce is...

every one is diffrent, and let the decision weather to continue or not up to the patient, only they know how they REALLY feel.

Blessings to you and yours.

Thanks so much for your reply.  Unfortunately after having to wait one month for an oncologist appointment, (our lovely Canadian system) it was quite a quick visit when the Dr. advised not to have mom go through chemo because she was too weak.  She was actually on new pain meds that were started the day before that were making her very groggy...but to no avail.  So we couldn't do anything but make her comfortable.  How tough it is to watch her get weaker and weaker every day.   The meds take so much from her but without them she's be in so much pain.  I cry and cry but that doesn't help does it?  I keep telling myself that I'm lucky to have had her this long...but I wish I could have her for 88 more.

God Bless your grandmother.  May the chemo work for her so you have her for more years to come. ! 

Prayers and blessings to you and your family.