Hi, Freddy,

I agree with Christine that he should have the surgery. If he does not have it, his jaw will deteriorate more until he'll have no function at all. Then eating by mouth will become impossible. He is still young at 63. My husband was 65 when he had his mandibulectomy using the fibula. It is a big operation but very doable.

You are a good and caring cousin in that you spend so much time with him. Plan on continuing this as he will need your support following the surgery. He'll come home with drains in the area below the jaw and possibly one in his leg. Most of the discomfort my husband experienced was in his leg. If you familiarize yourself with his procedure and learn what to expect after he returns home, you and he will be better able to get through it.

My husband had a peg tube placed one year before his mandibulectomy before radiation. We were so glad he had one as it was a godsend for this procedure in that he could get his nutrition. I don't know how he would have handled eating by mouth had he not had a PEG tube. Maybe some others here can offer their insights on this.

Come here often, too, as there are many on this site who have been through this procedure.

My best to you and your cousin-
Anita