It's been 4 months since my mom was dx with Stage IV paillary carcinoma, and now dr says entire jaw will be removed along with lower lip. This seems SO daunting to me but it occurs to me that y'all could probably give a lot of insight in to what this details. I'm surprised to read here that many people find "oral dissections" less difficult than radiation. I am completely clueless to all this, please please help!


Mom age 84 dx stage IV papillary cancer mandible 10/10; non-smoker, drinker, HPV-. Surgery 2/16/2011; mandibulectomy. 0 pos lymph nodes, has been in long-term hospital since March 2011. Returned home 8/11, permanent PEG tube.