I had surgery on 1/27/10 to remove the cancer back to clean margins. I have to say I have had several surgeries over the years and this hurts more than all the others combined. When they said I would be in the hospital for 2-4 days for Pain Management I thought they were nuts. Well here I am over a week later with Fentanyl 25mg Patch, Motrin 800 mg 3's a day and loratab for break through pain. I don't remember much of the first few days. Had to go back Yesterday becuase the initial pain meds were not working. I am totally amazed as I have never even taken more than a couple of pain pills with previous surgeries.
They informed me yesterday that the diagnoises has been changed to High Grade from Intermediate Grade. with Perineural and Skeletal Muscle invsaion. Doctor indicated he was taking my case "to the group" for confimation as to how to proceed
that being rediation.
The graft did not take and is rather gross as it comes loose. I am lucky that I do not look much different just a swollen bottom lip. I am thankful for that. I find eating or talking cause alot of pain. So keeping conversations as short as possible. Have to eat but staying with liquids. I have not lost a darn pound to add insult to injury.
Can anyone explain the "invasion" aspect and how long before the pain begins to lessen? I feel like a baby compared to what many of you have endured. I am missing a 1" area from middle of lip to just before the turn up to teeth.
Two questions how long does it take before the pain begins to lessen and what does the Invasion aspect of the diagnois mean?