Tom, have you considered having more HBO? Sometimes it takes more than 21 to heal. The first time I did HBO, my doc kept extending my treatments. I was making progress but very slowly. I think it took me 60 dives before I healed from the surgery for my 2nd round of oral cancer.

Everyone is different with this. I struggled while Ive seen others sail right thru it. A mandibulectomy is a major surgery. It is very delicate with the surgeon connecting teeny tiny blood vessels. I hope you carefully consider all your options. If it were me, I would try more HBO hoping that would help the jaw. If you put off the surgery your jaw will only be in worse shape and harder to fix.

Here is a link that details what I went thru. Just remember not everyone goes thru such difficulties. It was the 3rd time I had cancer in 3 years so my body was not strong going into it.

ChristineB's mandibulectomy

Last edited by ChristineB; 02-12-2012 06:48 PM. Reason: add link

Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile