Hi I'm new to the forum, I had my op. 25 days ago, half my tonge removed,all my teeth 22,the whole base of my mouth,part of my jaw bone, and some lymph nodes from my neck, they took a flap of skin and some artery from my left wrist to form part of my tongue and gum and fitted a titanium rod to form my new jaw bone, I have gone through the surgery really well and was back home after just 14 days the swelling has gone down in my face and apart from having no teeth i don't look much different to before I had the op. but i know that there is a long way to go, I will be seeing the surgeons for the first time as an out patiant on Thursday next. I would just like to link up with one or two people that are going through similar so hopefully we can help each other along, thank you for reading this.

Hi Dusty! You have found a great site for assistance. What you have gone thru isnt something too many have had to do. I have some similarities to you but I had my big surgery 18 months ago. My teeth were removed 2 years ago. To me, it sounds like you are doing absolutely fantastic!!!! I had alot of complications and was in the hospital for 2 months after my surgery. I was kept in a medically induced coma for 3 weeks. One huge difference is that I also had previously gone thru 2 rounds of oral cancer already. After such a big operation, it can take months for the swelling to go down completely. It sounds like everything has turned out very well with your surgery! Will you be having radiation?

Keep up good nutrition and try to get extra protein in your diet to help with the healing. I use high protein powder found in any drug store or grocery store. It mixes easily with any liquid. Best of luck with your continued recovery.

Dusty - welcome, and wow. You have really been through the ringer. But you've come out with your brain and optimism intact! We'll all be interested to hear what the surgeon has to say. Will you be doing any chemo or rads?

If you get a chance, for future posting you might think about making yourself a signature with a brief description of what you've been through. Christine's is a model example.

Hang in there, buddy.

From (way) across the pond,
David2

Dusty, I had some my teeth taken 3 1/2 yrs or so ago for rads, chemo and rad seed implants. One thing for sure is that your nose will get to know your chin as friends in a few months. LOL You are doing good for what you have been thru. Just keep that attitude and you'll do fine. I lost a part of my tongue on both sides after a reoccurence, had the neck dissection with a few nodes taken. The worst thing I have is the severe rad and chemo burns and scarring. About to lose ,my lower left jaw after another major surgery and a feeding tube. Good luck man and my best to ya.

Thank you all for your kind words and warm welcome, I will add my signature as you suggested David as soon as I can work out the abbreviations thanks once again.

[quote=Dusty146]Thank you all for your kind words and warm welcome, I will add my signature as you suggested David as soon as I can work out the abbreviations thanks once again.
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Dusty, there's a thread that explains them right here in the introduce yourself forum.

Hi Dusty, I had a slightly easier time than you but I'm guessing at the same hospital (Manchester Royal Infirmary). My op was almost a year ago and I am amazed at how well the scars have healed. I'm guessing you will be getting a decision on whether radio-therapy and/or chemo is required at your appointment. If you do need it, it will give you an unpleasant few weeks but its a temporary phase which will pass.
Feel free to get in touch.

Wow a sudden influx of Brits .How wonderful.As the token Brit on OCF for the last five years i would like to say welcome to you both.I am also a member of the Bradford based Mouth Cancer Foundation which is a smaller support group,but i have to say information,knowledge and support on this site is second to none,once you have got your head around the differences in our respective health services.

once again welcome and i hope all goes well for you xx

Hi Martin Yes your correct i was treated at the MRI (a lot better than Stepping Hill in my opinion) My OP was 5 weeks ago today I attended Christie's yesterday to see Dr Yap then I go on Friday to have my Mask fitted for 6 weeks of Radiotherapy, I'm glad your scars have healed well, I only have a bit of doubt with one of the scars on my neck as I got an infection in it and it seemed to have healed with a strip of internal flesh sticking out from the main scar. I am amazed how quick things have happened since I went to the MRI. as proceeding despite me being in total agony for three and a half years, Stepping Hill discharged me as fit.Its always nice to talk to someone who has been through the same thing Thank you for contacting me, I cant put a signature on here because I still don't know how lol Regards Bob.

Thank you for your welcome, If it did hit me in the mouth just now I don't think I would feel it lol.