We received some upsetting and unfortunate news today that my dad will need to go back into the OR 3 weeks post-surgery. Pathology reports came back with unclear margins in a particular area. It seems to never end... Earlier this week we were ecstatic because we found out he didn't need debridement surgery and if he did it would be very, very minor - 30 minutes tops. After a roller coaster of a week with full blown reconstructive surgery to nothing and now is, it's been so hard on all of us mentally.

The doctor also said he will need chemo or chemo/rads although he just finished rads in Sept. This is becoming a harder uphill battle than we thought. If the margins don't come back clear after this surgery, they will continue to do this until they do.... I feel like I am losing hope when I need to be the strongest.

I had this "top-up" surgery to get a clear margin in one particular area (inside my cheek). I was in hospital for four days afterward so it was nowhere near as bad as the main surgery. It got to me though. I was in tears after surgery and had a major meltdown later. It was as if I'd been through enough and this was twisting the knife in.

I empathise greatly with you, your father and your wider family. It's good the docs are being fussy about margins though and I hope and pray they are clear this time.

Cancer is often a rollercoaster. People need help to deal with it.

Love
Maureen

Im very sorry your father's margins werent enough. It sounds like his doctors are on the ball making certain everything is taken out.

Being a caregiver is a tough job! We are here for you too. Try your best to make some time to be good to yourself. Who wouldnt be feeling overwhelmed after witnessing everything your father has been thru! Many caregivers will take anxiety meds to help them get past the rough patches. Its just another tool to make this easier.

Best wishes to both you and your father.

Im so sorry to hear this news. Beleive me I feel your pain. My mothers Margins were not clear either. There was a spot in the rear of her Jaw but the surgeon said not to worry because he froze it. I didnt quit understand that part about freezing it. We wanted it out and gone. So we were upset also . After 35 Rad treatments 3 different scans showed the cancer was spreading again so back into surgery my mom went. It was called a salvage surgery. Well that turned out brutal for my mom. There were to many cncer cells all in the check of her face and neck. The cancer was on her arteries and could not be removed. My mother cannot be RE-Radiated we were told she has had the max for that area. Shes now taking Chemo and were praying its helping. All in All thats my mothers outcome.
I dont want to discourage you in any way. This is my moms outcome . Everybodys case is different and Im sure the doctors are doing the best they can.

Please stay positive
Heidi