My sister-in-law will have surgery on Tuesday for Stage IV cancer of the tongue. They will remove more than 2/3 of the tongue and part of the lower jaw, reconstruct the jaw with bone and veins from her arm and remove lymph nodes. A 10-12 hour surgery in all.

My wife is with her in Kansas City (I'm in Texas) and she will be the care giver at home. We're told to expect that she will be in the hospital 10-14 days. Radiation and chemo will begin 4-5 weeks after the surgery.

Of course, my wife will be instructed by the hospital, but she wondered it someone who has been through this before might have some practical insights and answers especially for the post surgical time.

Is a visiting nurse necessary at home?

Should we rent a hospital bed during the surgical recovery?

How long will dressings need to be changed?

Will her sister be pretty mobile by the time she is released from the hospital?

Anything else it may be helpful to know?

Thanks,

bob