hi Betsy I wanted to let you know, when I was 29 I was diagnosed with the same thing as your niece, I also have never smoked and when I went to the doctor and the dentist they thought it was a canker sore. I had 60 percent of my tongue removed and half my jaw replaced, the operation was 22 hours long, they rebuilt my whole face. I was back home in ten days and was able to work until I had my radiation. I going to tell you the radiation was very hard and takes alot out of you, it took me 2 mounths to recover, the radiation will also kill your saliva. I am now 38 and I still heathy and living a normal life, except I cant eat soild food. I want to tell you there is still hope for your niece to live a happy life. ps if have any questions you can contact me.