Debra,

What concerns me is that you do not know why you are having a mandiblectomy, it tells me there is a disconnect between your medical professionals and you. Communication is key and understanding what you are facing and why you are going to go through with such a surgery is important imho.

As Christine said, it's a big surgery and some of us have had a hard time with the after effects of such surgery, it's definitely a game changer. Everyone is different obviously so there are various outcomes but either way you should really understand why this step is being taken before you take it...look before you leap so to speak. I think a conversation with your surgeon is in order.

As far as what to expect during the surgery...well anesthesia during, then pain meds and ensure after is the condensed version. It's going to be different for everyone my dear which is why it's important to speak to your surgeon and understand the scope of the surgery. My surgeon gave me a very good idea of what to expect so I was as prepared as anyone could be at that point. The good thing is you found OCF before your surgery, its a resource I didn't have then.

Good luck

Eric