I want to pack some items for my husband for the hospital when he is recovering from his jaw surgery. This will be very different than when he was in the hospital for induction chemo. What are the items or types of clothing etc that were most useful while recovering?

Wow, that's really thinking ahead, excellent caregiver. I wish I knew what to tell you to take, but I don't.

I do expect that mostly he will just be tired, and sleep a lot, so he won't be needing much of anything. For those times when he is awake and wanting something to do, maybe his favorite magazines or style of paperback novel if he is a reader. Does he use reading glasses, maybe an extra set of those.

Keep up the good work, we all wish we had someone like you.

I was thinking about getting an extra pair of reading glasses. I will make sure his kindle is all charged and ready to go just in case.

Missy, dont get discouraged if your husband isnt up to doing much after this major surgery. If he is kept in a medically induced coma for a couple days his mind will likely be a bit fuzzy and his concentration will be off. I had a mandibulectomy and although I had some complications with my surgery, I found it impossible to concentrate enough to peruse anything more than a magazine for a couple months afterwards. I pretty much glanced thru the pictures not really absorbing anything at all. For me, I couldnt even read a short story for months after the surgery. That was just me, Im sure your husband will do alot better than I did.

I would suggest some comedy DVDs or things that dont take alot of concentration. Maybe some very easy puzzle books, magazines and TIVO his favorite shows when he is in the hospital so he can enjoy them when he feels up to it.

He may have difficulty speaking after surgery, so bring something for him to write notes such as a whiteboard with erasable markers, notebook and pens, etc. A cell phone so he can send text and email messages.

Missy I agree with Christine. I too had a mandiblectomy recently. I am a huge reader 3-4 books a week. I never even thought about reading. texting or any of my gadgets. Pain meds, rest and recovery was my main focus. I truly feel for what you and your husband ate about to go through. Stay strong he is so blessed to have you. In my thoughts.

thanks for the advice...just don't know what to expect and I don't have alot of local support so trying to plan ahead...