We went to the Tumor Board yesterday and was told the cancer is localized at the left lower jaw. Originally the surgeon was going to do a fibula free flap which meant having her legs scanned first, check blood vessels, etc., delaying the surgery. I told him Carol had broken her leg when she was a kid and was concerned about the viability of using the fibula. He then went on to explain he could take a free flap from the shoulder, hip or wrist. Carol told the Dr she didn't care where they took the free flap from, just do it! Boy, I never saw Doctors pull out their appointment books so fast and at the same time! It was comical to see even with the seriousness of it all. (Gotta keep the humor going) Carol is scheduled for surgery Aug 4th and will be using a free flap from her shoulder.

The surgeon said the surgery could be anywhere from eight hours and up depending on the complexity and she will be in the hospital from a week to two weeks, depending on how well she heals. Carol has an appointment with the Surgeon next Tuesday and will go into greater detail then.

Neither one of us asked what stage it's in.....the minds went into a fog....knowing she'll need surgery and then having the date set really puts it into perspective.

Forgot to mention...no more radiation due to the aggressive radiation therapy done in Feb/Mar and no chemo.

Any advice, suggestions, experiences (good/bad) from patients and caregivers? Surgery, post surgery? Side effects, medications, etc? Surgery after radiation, chemo?

Linda