Mature teratoma with squamous cell carcinoma

My mom was recently diagnosed with a very rare mature teratoma with malignant transformation into squamous cell carcinoma.  They have removed the tumor and are starting radiation and chemo next week.  They will do 28 doses of radiation (daily for 5 weeks) along with Cisplatin once a week, then follow with another kind of chemo.  Has anyone heard of this?  Is there a place to research rare cancers?  Has anyone else had this type of chemo and/or radiation?  How bad were the side effects and what was life like while you were going through the treatment?  Any information would be appreciated....