I just had to put in our 2 cents. First, I admire your courage and strength! My husband went through similar treatment for STage IV SCC of Tonsil and was diagnosed with ORN with 9 months after treatment. He was 42 when diagnosed.

He had the jaw resection with flap done on 1/10/12. He had to have 2 docs in the room, one to do the titanium plate and one to do the tissue work.

He had most of his left jaw cut out, replaced by titanium plate and had a section of his chest muscle brought up to cover the titanium plate. The radiation had messed his skin up and he also needed a large piece of chest skin to add to the neck area.

He was in the hospital for one week and was told to take 2 weeks off of work. He had a PICC line and received antibiotic due to pseudomonas and staph infection for weeks. He was on Jevity via a feeding tube for a month or so. They did not wire his jaw shut, but was not allowed anything for 10 days in his mouth.

Today, he is feeding tube free, has 1 week left of antibiotic and has been at work for a few weeks. He is a Psychologist and Professor at Midwestern University. He also uses his voice and would be devastated if anything happened to it. He is almost back to PRE cancer mobility!

In short, I have to say, his story is uplifting. You can follow him here: http://creativepsychological.com/thrivingit/

Best to you and yours!! May you continue to soldier through this. Spend as much time loving, laughing and spending time with that family of yours! They need you as much as you need them!!

Blessings!

Brenda