my Dad is currently on the list for an operation to remove his lower jaw bone and replace it with a leg bone. I was wond ering if anyone here knew what the operation involved etc as i am really scared. he had mouth cancer and has had radiotherapy and all of his teeth removed, he also has a seious infection in his jaw and has holes under his chin that ooze constantly. if anybody has experienced the same please post a message back. thank you

Kayleigh,
I just wanted to welcome you to the site and let you know that others have had this procedure and they will be responding to you. The "holes that are oozing" are probably fistulas, which is the bodies way of eliminating pus buildup. Is he on IV antibiotics?

Kayleigh: Welcome to OCF! I am so sorry to hear that your Dad is suffering like so many others with this dread disease.

My husband was diagnosed with invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the mandible (jaw) several months ago. As you will read on my 'signature', he has completed all treatment and has done very well. I hope that your Dad will improve after his surgery.

It's easy for me to encourage you not to be scared, and I know exactly how you feel. Read all that you can and ask questions.

I'm guessing that you don't live in the U.S., thus the 'currently on the list' statement?

Let us help you with specific questions that you may have. There are many here who genuinely care, and have experienced many of the same problems that I'm sure your Dad has, or will have. All will be glad to walk with you as you and your family begin 'the fight'.

In the meantime, please know that we are thinking of you.


Lois & Buzz in NC (S. E. coast of the U.S.)

Kayleigh,
I assume Blackpool is England! There are a good few of us brits on this site---stick with it!
Track 'Minnie' stuff for operations to replace jawbone with leg bone.
We're here, keep posting!

Brenda

Hey there Kayleigh.
at least you wont need a tree to climb when things get tough,you can just walk up that tower and look at the world.I bet the lights in Blackpool are as spectacular as ever.

This is a good place to be so use it whenever you need help,comfort or advice.

love liz

Keyleigh,
I had the same surgery that your father is going to have. The surgery itself is very lengthly. (12 to 14 hours) I felt minimal discomfort from a piece of bone that was removed from my left leg. It healed quickly and and I was able to walk and move normally with in four days. The only tell tale sign is the scar and a feeling of numbness around the lower back part of my leg. I still have feeling, but it isn't the way it was before the surgery. That is minor compared to what it could have been. The healing of the jaw takes time and I wasn't able to eat food. I lived on Ensure and Carnation breakfast for six weeks, then I was able to eat soft foods. Now that I have almost reached my five year mark, I am fortunate to be alive and it is amazing how a person learns to adapt to the new you and life goes on and it great. Be patient and time will take care of most if not all of the discomforts.

Best of luck. If you have any specific questions please ask. I am not the only person on this forum who has had this surgery so don't try to reinvent the wheel. We are here for you. We've been there.

Best of Luck!
Hacklene

Hi!, yes Blackpool is England, thats where i live. The tower is great as are the lights. Thank you so much for your replies they have helped a lot. My Dad has never been on any sort of antibiotic for his jaw bone infection, i have no idea as to why. The doctors have failed to diagnose a specific infection, they dont seem to know what it is. My dad has a million questions about the op but his consultant never gives a straight answer so i will ask my dad what he wants to know and seek your advice. I would like to know how long your stay in hospital was because my Dad has been told at least a month but people that have had this operation on television were out in less than that.

Thank you
Kayleigh x

Hi!, yes Blackpool is England, thats where i live. The tower is great as are the lights. Thank you so much for your replies they have helped a lot. My Dad has never been on any sort of antibiotic for his jaw bone infection, i have no idea as to why. The doctors have failed to diagnose a specific infection, they dont seem to know what it is. My dad has a million questions about the op but his consultant never gives a straight answer so i will ask my dad what he wants to know and seek your advice. I would like to know how long your stay in hospital was because my Dad has been told at least a month but people that have had this operation on television were out in less than that.

Thank you
Kayleigh x

Hi!, yes Blackpool is England, thats where i live. The tower is great as are the lights. Thank you so much for your replies they have helped a lot. My Dad has never been on any sort of antibiotic for his jaw bone infection, i have no idea as to why. The doctors have failed to diagnose a specific infection, they dont seem to know what it is. My dad has a million questions about the op but his consultant never gives a straight answer so i will ask my dad what he wants to know and seek your advice. I would like to know how long your stay in hospital was because my Dad has been told at least a month but people that have had this operation on television were out in less than that.

Thank you
Kayleigh x

Kayleigh: Buzz was admitted to the hospital on July 18, had the surgery on July 19 and was discharged 13 days later;trach was only used a few days, NG tube used for feedings until 4 days prior to discharge. A bone was removed from his hip and used as a replacement for the jaw bone, along with a titanium plate.
Before he came home, he was eating soft foods and talking again. Although he walked with a slight limp, he never even used a walker.

The three points that were all-important were: hydration, nutrition and pain management.

Surgery and treatment is no walk in the park, but it can be done! My advice to you would be to stay close to your Dad and BE THERE for him, in whatever capacity he desires.

Keep us posted as to his treatment plans.

Lois & Buzz

Kayleigh,
In answer to your Dad's question about how long my hosiptal stay lasted. The Mayo Hosiptal in Phoenix, Az. is where I had surgery and my hospital stay was exactly three weeks. The doctors told me to expect to stay two to three weeks. Of course tht also depends on the individual and any complications that may araise.

The best you can do it be there for him. One thing I really used was I had a clip board and pen/pencil and I was able to communicate more effectently and sooner than verbaly.

Keep us possted on how you are doing.

Hacklene

Hi,

Thank you so much for all your help and encouragement i have printed everything from forum and emails off and given them to my Dad, they have been a great comfort to him and he seems more at ease about it all now. Thank you !!! xxx