#92942 03-31-2009 06:31 PM | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 681 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | OP  "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 681 | I have recovered very well from the reconstruction of my mandible with the fibula free flap. My mouth is better aligned with my chin in line with the center of my face. My speech is almost perfect. I am still having some slight pains in my ankle, swelling on top of the foot and use a cane if I am walking on an uneven surface or for a long distance. I tire easily and my hemoglobin count is low which the internist attributes to the medical trauma of the past 5 years. It is now almost 3 months after surgery and I see daily improvement.
After consulting with the top oral surgeon and prosthodontist, who are both the most experienced with oncology patients here, I have decided not to have dental reconstruction.
It seems that my fibula was not thick enough to build up as much as the prosthodontist recommended (I have very small, child sized bones) and the oral surgeon felt that there was not enough to support implants. He recommended removing 5 teeth, spacing implants in the original bone and having a prosthesis on top of that.
I saw the prosthodontist today who said that he would not recommend this for me for several reasons. It would involve the removal of healthy teeth for a procedure which may not be successful. I would be without the majority of my lower teeth for several months and although he would make a temporary prosthesis until everything healed, it would not be a comfortable or effective and I would be unhappy with it. He said that if he were my son he would say don't do it. It is not medically necesssary particularly given all I have been through and my age, I could be in the 5% failure group, cosmetic effects are unimportant to me, and it is very expensive. He again said that if I were his mother he would say not to risk it.
I thank all of you who have been supportive of me since I first came "on board" about a year and 1/2 ago researching mandibular reconstruction.
Malka
SCC stage II Partial mandibulectomy w. neck dissection- July 2005. Renal cancer w. partial nephrectomy-Jan 2004. Breast cancer discovered in routine mammogram. Successful lumpectomy, sentinal nodes clear, RT only-2008 Reconstruction of mandible w fibula free flap-Jan 09. TORS removal of begnin pappiloma from esophagus-2010. Masectomy,rt breast 2013.
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Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 489 | Malka
Glad to hear that your reconstruction is healing and mostly that you are happy with it. Keep up the good work on your recovery.
Patty
48
SCC Floor of Mouth 7/06
9/06 Surgery, bilateral neck dissection, 58 nodes clear PT2pN0pMx
35 rad 2006
Recurred 6/08, 1 Carboplatin, 1 Cisplatin
Surgery 9/08 - Total glossectomy, free flap from pectoral muscle, left mandible replaced using fibula
35 IMRT & Erbitux 11/08
4/15/09 recurrence
6/1/09 passed away, rest in peace
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Keep that great attitude and you will be fine Malka.You have always been there for us and we are there for you.I'm just glad that things are going ok and progressng in the right direction on your compass of life.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,004 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,004 | That is great to hear Malka. Keep up the good work!!
Suzanne
***********
T1 SCC on right side of tongue
Age 31...27 when diagnosed
4 partial glossectomies
No chemo or radiation
Biopsy on 2/2/10-Clear
Surgery needed again...no later than April 2011
Loving life and just became a mother on 11/25/10
It's not what we CAN'T do..it's what we CAN do:)
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Malka
Thanks for the update. Its great news to hear you are doing so well. Keep up the good work.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | | | | | Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 475 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 475 | So glad to hear the news Malka! Thinking of you!
Susan Lauria - OCF Director of Events - Always looking for volunteers to help spread the word about early detection! Contact me if you can help!
*Brother passed away from tongue cancer in 2006 at age 47, was co-caregiver, he was non-smoker/casual drinker
LETS MAKE ORAL CANCER HISTORY!
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