Sorry I missed your post. Boy you sure have had a rough time of it. The mandibulectomy is one rough surgery to get thru. It takes a very long time to recover. Its not something that can be rushed. You are doing excellent if you are able to eat by mouth. Its two steps forward one step (sometimes two) back for a long time. Keep your positive attitude! Please dont live your life worrying about a recurrance. IF it would happen you would deal with it.....remember IF is the word. Ive gotten thru it 3 times in 3 years, just proof that it really can be done. We all seem to make the best of the hand we are dealt, thats all we can do. Being a survivor is a great thing to be smile

Christine
SCC 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 smile