I was on antibiotics for several months due to a small area along the suture line under my chin that looked infected following the radiotherapy. It wouldn't clear up and then the plastic surgeon feared that my jaw bone had ORN. Following more tests and scans It was confirmed that there was ORN and the Oral/Maxillofacial surgeon sent me to have Hyperbaric Oxygen treatments immediately.

The HBO treatments were done before the surgery to remove and reconstruct the lower jaw bone so as to help the healing process once the surgery had been completed.

If this sort of surgery (or any other extensive surgery) has to be performed on tissue and bone that has had radiation, it makes the job so much more difficult. Also, around the mouth and jaw area there are nerves that control our mouth and facial movements etc. Keeping these nerves in good condition while removing large parts of the jaw bone can be very difficult.

It is really good that your sister will be with you and able to help with asking questions etc. As you would already know it is very difficult to process all the information.

Best wishes with all your appointments.
Karen