Hi everyone,
My father age 60 was diagnosed with oral cancer about one and half years back. He underwent surgery immediately and recovered completely within 2 months. No radiation or chemo was given to him as Doc told that its not required. Now after one and half years, biopsy shows cancer below the wisdom tooth area. Doctor is suggesting removal of teeth and jaw bones from right hand side. DOc is also saying that since he is above 60, reconstruction would be difficult at this age. I want your views on this. Plz help. How he would be able to speak and eat if there is no jaw bones ?

Your post scares me a tad.
If I was you I would be seeking a second and third opinion. I would be running to a CCC - comprehensive cancer centre , they have been proven to have better patient outcomes.
My Husband had complete reconstruction of his pharynx and oropharynx. He was 60 yrs old. He was also post radiation which does indeed impact on healing.
Kris is living a good life and doing well now 2 1/2 years after his salvage surgery with reconstruction.
I'm sure others who have had this type of surgery will come along and comment shortly.
There is always hope.
Tammy

Jax123
My mother who is age 70 had her bottom left jaw Bone removed in March 2014 . The cancer spread through her jaw bone like termites eat through wood. It reached stage 4 really fast. Don't waste time . As for the cosmetic look of my mom not having a jaw bone on one side I have to say you cant even tell its missing. She talks and eats well. She didn't even need reconstruction . But here we are 6 months later and the cancer is back. I don't think all the cancer was removed the first time around . I was told by another Oncologist that the first time is your best shot. Talk to the doctor and make sure he feels the surgery will get it all out.

Jax123
Is the doctor taking just one side of the jaw bone or the whole Jaw bone all around. The doctor just took one side of my moms and left just a piece in the back and right before her chin he cut .

thank u all for your relies..
As of now, doc told us that he would be removing right side jaw bone and teeths..can anyone tell if the patient would be able to speak and eat without reconstruction..and how much bone graft would help

thanks for your reply..i live in India..how long will it take post surgery for things to become normal?

JaX123 .
My mom had her left bottom jaw removed. The whole center of the jaw bone was removed and the doctor left just a small part in the back so her jaw still works and it was cut out write before her chin so it didn't affect the front either . There was NO reconstruction needed. You cant even tell its missing. Now I must say the Oncologist Surgeon was very very good . He did a terrific job. Her appearance is beautiful. You cant even tell where he cut. My moms teeth on the side were removed but the ones in the front are still there so its not even noticeable .The surgery took about 8 hours and she stood in ICU for 4 days , then moved to a regular hospital room for 7 days. After she came home I'd say in just 2 weeks my mother was getting around and talking pretty good. I'm sure your father will get a feeding tube put in his stomach. You will have to make sure he gets a lot of calories . I'm sure the hospital will send him home with cans of Ensure or something to that order. And pain Medicine will probably be in liquid form. So you or someone in the family will have to learn how the "Peg" feeding tube works. My mothers feeding tube stood in for about 2 months after surgery. My mother had a cup with crushed ice by her side all the time. He will have a problem with dry mouth.

If I can answer any more questions feel free to contact me anytime.
Heidi/New Orleans

Jax welcome to OCF!. Im sorry to hear about your fathers recurrence! The surgery you mentioned is called a mandibulectomy (removal of jaw bone). Ive had this surgery and its not easy to get thru but it is doable. Recovery is long, it can be up to a full year to bounce back for some patients while others will be ok after 3-6 months of healing.

In your country is it possible to go to a major cancer center for a second opinion?

Best wishes with everything!!!

Christine I'm so sorry to hear of your longer recovery . My mother was doing remarkable well for that type of surgery . After 2 to 3 weeks we were shocked of her speedy recovery . The doctors couldn't believe how good she was doing . She did keep her peg in for at least 2 months and she did suffer with some pain but all in all she was getting around in about 3 to 4 weeks . But I hope this upcoming surgery goes well . The oncologist said it's going to be more complicated . All I can do is pray all goes well .