Hi there,

Thanks to Karen Rose for reminding me about OCF. I'm a 4x tongue cancer survivor, starting with 1st surgery in 1992. Last surgery in May 2014 to remove the BOT flap from the 3rd surgery in 2008, remainder of front tongue, floor of mouth, and lower jaw entirely. Rebuilt jaw with titanium plate and fibula bone. Thick flap for floor of mouth. I've been told by several specialists getting implants will be impossible. Has anyone gotten implants in fibula bone?

I had one UCLA oral surgeon outline a plan using the fibula bone. Then another oral surgeon said it would be impossible to use the fibula bone because it is too thin and would need to take hip bone and add it in.

If anyone has had experience with jaw removal and getting implants, would love to hear from you. And would also love to hear from anyone who has had tongue removal and/or jaw removal and has not had implants to see how you are navigating life. Because of no lower jaw, gum or teeth my lower lip goes in very far - so can't even drink and I drool 24/7. I walk around with a folded up paper towel clasped btn my lips to stop the drool. I rarely go out because of it - I'm treated terribly in public, people move away from me fast, stare, etc. I can hardly bear it any longer. I had a great support system for my first 3 surgeries, but have had very little since this bout. Too many friends have moved out of LA, have passed away from their own cancer, or just can't handle it and ceased all contact. It's been difficult this time with only sporadic support here and there.