Hi Dwayne

In April 2008 I had nearly all my lower jaw (mandible) replaced with bone from my hip due to Osteoradionecrosis.

During the first surgery in April 2007 they split my jaw down the centre, and opened my face up like a door to access the tumor on my mobile tongue. I had a tongue flap made from tissue from my thigh. My jaw was joined back together with small screws and plates down the centre. During the surgery there were some teeth damaged either side of the jaw split, but I was sent into radiotherapy like that. Because of the damage from radiotherapy, I've had approx 9 cm of my mandible replaced with bone from my hip, and the tongue flap had to be re-done again, this time with tissue/skin from my hip area also.

Since 2008 I've undergone several operations. Now I have teeth implants and more recently some cosmetic surgery to improve my facial appearance.

I had a PEG tube for 3.4 years and will always have major eating difficulties because I'm not able to move the tongue flap. It's permanently anchored down and also serves as the floor of my mouth.

It's a tough complicated surgery, but if you take it step by step, you will see the light at the end of the tunnel and reach your goals.

Best wishes for your procedure.

Karen