Hi! I am a64yo female newly diag. with squamous cell carcinoma. I will have a 12 hour surgery on May 2, to remove the cancer in my gums and jawbone on right side of face, also a tumor under jawbone. They will take skin and vein from left forearm, bone from leg and maybe muscle from upper chest to reconstruct my mouth. I will have NG tube and a trach.for up to two months. I have not cried nor will I do so, Cancer will not win, no matter what happens.

That's the spirit, Linda, you'll come through this all right with that attitude!

I wish you the very best

Welcome to OCF, Linda! Im very glad you have found OCF to help you get thru this. We will give you correct medical info and moral support. This is quite alot you are dealing with. Its ok to cry, everybody cries at times in their life. This forum is a place where its ok to vent if you feel the need. Dont let everything build up, getting a cancer diagnosis for many of us is shocking and brings with it a whole new range of emotions. Now that you have found OCF, just know we do understand as we have been exactly where you are and know how hard it is.

I have had the surgery you described, its called a mandibulectomy. This is a very long, involved surgery. Mine was 10 hours, but I did not have my leg bone used.

Ask for a possey muir valve trach so you will be able to talk when you wake up. Make certain you ask several people about this and insist you need this particular type of trach. It really will be a huge help!

I hope you have a caregiver to help you with everything. You will need lots of support to get thru this. Write down anyones name and number who offers to help you. tell them when the time comes you will let them know what they can do for you. The time will come and dont be shy to ask for help. Many friends and relatives arent sure what to do or how to help so they need to be told.

Please feel free to ask questions about your upcoming mandibulectomy and I will be happy to answer them.

Best wishes!

You GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!

You have found the BEST place to be there for and with you from now until forever.

Linda, we're all with you as you face this enormous challenge. You sound strong and your attitude is great. Please let us know how we can help. You're part of our family now.

Hey Linda... the surgery is heavy duty but a few people here have had a similar surgery. Bring something to write with to the hospital. Hopefully you have someone to advocate for you... please let us know how everything goes once you get a chance to... best of luck~~

Thank you Christine for your post. you are the first person I have found, that had the same surgery as I will have. I saw where you were in a medically induced coma for 3 weeks, was that because of the pain or complications? I am really worried about the pain afterwards. How were you able to sleep the best; bed, couch or recliner. My daughter said I could use her recliner and I think it might be good. I have about a million questions about the process, esp. afterwards. Any and all info will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for kindness.