Pat

I completely understand about your difficulty in dealing with what you call vanity. It is not the usual OC type of problem. This has to do with walking around every minute of every single day with little hope of ever looking normal. Its not easy at all. The stares, I just look right back at them. I would be happy to answer questions if anyone ever asked me whats wrong with my face.

I do know Fox Chase. I wasnt treated there. There are several OCF members in your area who know what other options are down there. How about John Hopkins in MD? Another OCF member has chosen that hospital. Its very important to get this moving along, look into seeing an infectious disease doc for your infection.

While its not easy, its what we do every day. You just learn to live with what has happened and hope and pray the future holds a chance to fix it. Every time I get my hopes up, I get them squashed again. Now, Im looking at probably another year before I can get reconstruction. The blood vessels must be given more time to form or I could lose my whole jaw. This takes extra long since Ive had radiation.

When you feel down, do something positive to help boost your spirits. I try not to spend much time being idle. Working outside helps keep you busy.

Best of luck with everything.