The cancer returned in january, they thought they got it all, but now they have found it in my jaw (just diagnosed last thursday). they tell me i need to have a part of my lower jaw replaced. i don't have to tell anyone here how scared i am. i will be talking to my surgeon and getting a second opinion this week. can anyone tell me what i can expect? My surgeon is at johns hopkins and will probably be going to GBMC in baltimore for my second opinion. any advice?

thanks so much
Gina

Gina, sorry you have to go thru this. Seems like lately there are several OCF members who have had this procedure, including me. I had this done in August and Im still recovering. I may have had a difficult time, so please dont worry it will take you so long to bounce back. I will post more later about what to expect. As in any OC, if you can eat right now is a good time to eat EVERYTHING!!!!!!

Gotta run to HBO.

Ask what they will use to rebuild your jaw. Will it be made of steel or from part of your leg. Ask about if a neck dissection will be done. If they will be using a skin graft and where they are taking it from.

Can you please add a signature. Without knowing your history, its difficult to give you info. Have you had radiation?

Gina,
I had a complete lower jaw replacement several years ago. They used a bone from my leg for a replacement. I am just fine! The recovery from the surgery was about six weeks and then I began to eat soft foods and gradually added different foods. Now, I eat anything and have no problems. Don't be scared it isn't the end of the earth and you will be fine. Best of Luck

Hacklene

Hopkins has the top Head & Neck dept in the country and is rated 2nd in cancer care...hard to get better care anywhere really. 2nd opinions are prudent but I'd go with John Hopkins if it were me.

I had this surgery done myself and there can be issues with it, which is why you want the best possible team involved in getting the job done. Don't let fear get in the way of getting this taken care of...read the daily quotes dealing with fear in the Coping section for inspiration if you need.

Best Wishes,

Eric

Gina,

Good luck with your appointments in getting a second opinion this week.


Hacklene,
It is always good to read about successful outcomes following this sort of surgery.

I'm interested in what procedures and treatments you have had as you don't have the information listed in a signature. Thanks

Karen

You just had 2 people that have had a rough go. Christine ans Eric have been fighting this and as you see, they are both knowledgeable about it. Charm is another great fighter so I am sure you will gain much information from them.

thanks for the posts everyone. they definitely help.
what i need to find out is this something that was here in january and my doctor missed it? i just had surgery in january. i am concerned.

i have not heard from my surgeon yet at johns hopkins (he has been out of town for the holiday). I hope to hear from him today. actually the second opinion is the suggestion of my other doctor, Dr. Sciubba. I don't fear the procedure, i guess i am more afraid of what i don't know. how long will i be off work? How painful and uncomfortable will i be? i don't know anything right now and i am driving myself crazy.

i definitely consider myself a fighter.
thanks
gina

Gina, have you considered Univ. of Md, Dr. Robert Ord is my doctor and he is truly wonderful, I can give you his # if you want. I will be having surgery again 4/16.....just let me know!
Carol

Gina, your questions are good but very difficult to answer. Are you asking your doctors these questions? How much of your jaw is being removed? Will they also be doing anything with yoru cheek as you have had surgery there 2x already? Depending on how much is being taken compared to what was done before, thats the only way to tell you how bad it will be. If you had alot of work done before and the docs are taking alot now then it would be comparable.