I had my left liver removed Jan 07 (I'll be 44 this month). Not too bad afterwards since the incisions were small. As for the cancer, your mom needs to be checked regularly. I don't know where you live but your mom needs to see someone who specializes in kidney cancer. I go to the number one hospital in Houston, MD Anderson. Local docs mean well but they really don't have the expertise to monitor/properly treat a kidney cancer patient. I see a local doctor every 12 weeks (in between my regular visit to MDA) and they report back blood test results to MDA and administer my 'every 6 weeks' medication.
I would be happy to go into more detail the changes I have made in my lifestyle to help keep the cancer under control. Send me a private response if you want more info.