[quote=Richard T.]Freddy;
From what I can gather, every mandibulectomy is different. It depends on what part of, and how much of the mandible needed to be taken, how many teeth are left and, probably of most importance, how much of the surrounding soft tissue needed to be resected. I lost 2/3 of my mandible but the surgeon was able to save my lower lip and tongue through the use of some skin grafts and a titanium plate. Your cousin will learn to deal with whatever he has in his own way. He probably won't be eating the same things in the same way as he did before but he will find whatever works for him. After a period of emotional and physical adjustment, people tend to define for themselves a new sense of "normal" and simply get on with their lives. I am facing several more reconstructive surgeries and hope to regain most of my formal dietary habits but radiation has forever reduced my ability to produce saliva and has narrowed my esophagus at the epiglottis so some foods that I formally enjoyed are simply off the menu for me now.

I wish your cousin the best of luck. He will need quite a bit of emotional support as he adjusts to his new reality. [/quote]


Hello Freddy my mother-in-law is 72 and weak, she never regained her weight from her glossectomy. She is down to 98 lbs. Has been on ensure and soup diet for 2 years. Her mandibulectomy is Wednesday. I want to know how critical or serious is this surgery.