Michele, Ive had my lower jaw removed and a free flap made for my cheek and neck. My doc made me a special titanium jawbone but my body rejected it causing the free flap to not take. I was kept in a medically induced coma for 3 weeks due to all the problems I was having. I also had a trach. Make sure you ask for a possey muir valve trach if you are getting one. That way you will be able to talk easily. I had a much worse time than most do with this type of surgery. It is a long procedure, mine was 10 hours. I ended up being hospitalized for 2 months, most people only have to stay 1 or 2 weeks. If you want to read in more detail posts from that time frame, here is a link. Just remember, everybody is different. I had a rough time but most people get thru it much easier. I would say to prepare yourself to be incapacitated for at least a month. This way you will be ready for whatever you will come up against.
http://oralcancersupport.org/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=102247#Post102247PS ... Im having my final reconstructive surgery tomorrow. If you have questions I can help you with please send me a PM. I will answer as soon as I am able to.
Wishing you all the best with everything! We are here to help get you thru this. If I can do it, (just like Eric said) then you can too!!!!
