Mark, I am very sorry to hear you have to go thru a mandibulectomy. Dont worry, you have come to the right place to get info about it. I have had it done, twice. The operation is a long and involved one. Before I get into the info, always remember everyone is different and will respond in their own way to surgeries, medications and procedures. You can not rush your recovery, take it day by day or if necessary, hour by hour.

Expect to be in the hospital for 2 - 4 weeks. It could be even longer so be prepared for anything. most patients are there for about 2 weeks. Ask your docs for a POSSEY MUIR valve trach. That will enable you to talk easily with it in. It helped me alot! If you dont ask you wont get so speak up. Take a dry erase board just in case. Make sure you have someone stay close to you during your hospital stay so they can advocate for you. Dont be surprised if you are kept sedated for a couple days immediately after the surgery. Its a good thing to let your body rest.

The surgery is a rough one to recover from. Since you are going thru HBO, it will make your healing much faster. Try to prepare for a recovery of at least 3 months. It will take that long before you begin to feel better. Dont worry, your docs can give you pain meds to ease any discomfort. You will need physical therapy and possibly speech therapy. Dont put these things off or it will be harder to return to your regular self. Expect to wait for one full year before any reconstructive surgery can be done. It will take that long for the swelling to completely go away and for new tiny blood vessels to grow on their own. Not all mandibulectomy patients need to have reconstructive surgery.

Im a huge believer in positive thinking. I feel it helps you to recover faster. Try your best to keep a positive outlook. Think of this surgery as another step in becoming cancer free. Please fee free to ask any questions you may have about this. I will do my best to help guide you thru. Good luck!!!!!