Chandra, so sorry to read about all your struggles! You have had a very long road!

From what I have gone thru, I may be able to help with some of your questions. Reconstruction sounds like it would greatly help you with so many things. It could fix your lips, untether your tongue, and possible remove the lower teeth. It sounds to me like those teeth are more of a problem than a help with speaking and eating.

Plastic surgeons can do amazing things! It may take a few surgeries to get you where you want to be. Go slowly and have the doc do things a little at a time. You must wait a full year before having reconstruction (looks like its been 2 years for you). I have had 4 reconstructive surgeries. My doc keeps telling me they could do more but Im not about to risk the advances I have made with any chance of a complication causing a setback.

Best wishes with everything!!!

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