Bohojack, I feel for you -- and certainly think your mum should seek and receive answers as to why the change of plan. I too am in Canada (Ontario) and know that what is funded by our system varies from province - province. As far as I know, in Ontario (provided health is generally up to it) the system funds at least two lines of chemo (i.e. different types of treatment) as well as tarceva (a form of lung cancer treatment that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor and can have great results for some). Apart from this there are also clinical trials available. You may want to find out what is funded by your province/territory and then take it from there.
Also, as Sandra and many others on this site will tell you there are treatments available and lots of hope. Many people here, including myself, have done very well with the standard treatments. I couldn't have surgery (position of tumour) but am still alive and very much kicking 18 months from diagnosis!