Welcome to OCF! After undergoing a mandibulectomy the recovery can take a full year. Its a major surgery with so much intricate details involved. Swelling can continue for months, even up to a year after this type of surgery. Ive been thru it so Im speaking from not just my experience but also what Ive witnessed other patients go thru as well. After a full year has past after the surgery your mother should be able to have debulking done or any revisions necessary. This is very common with this type of surgery to have reconstruction done later.

Our members are from all over the world. Im not sure who is in your area and if they would know of the specific specialist you are looking for. Your best chance of this would be at a CCC or a major teaching hospital. Since you are in the Chicago area there must be someone there who can help.

Best wishes!

Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile