 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | I had cisplatin with my radiation and had several hospital stays for malnutrition/dehydration. While going thru radiation you could be given the fentanyl patch. Its very strong and is good for 3 days. Then you could have the oxycodone for any extra breakthru pain.
You sure are correct, a mandibulectomy is one rough surgery! Many times I was in such pain I wished I hadnt done it at all. Once you get past the first couple months, it gets much much easier. I wont kid you, radiation is very difficult too. There are many side effects which are uncomfortable, some are painful. It can be done so then you can put this whole thing behind you. It just takes time to bounce back.
Best of luck with everything.
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  | 
