A mandibulectomy is a huge operation! There are many things that can change the current treatment plan. She could end up being in the hospital for about 2 weeks or it could get stretched out to several weeks depending on how she does.

Yes she will be well taken care of while in the hospital but I still would recommend to have someone stay with her if at all possible. While in ICU, she may not be allowed visitors. Most of the time she is in the hospital she will be sleeping so wont even know if company is there. Plus when she comes home she probably wont even remember they were there. I would suggest having the family wait until she is home until they visit. Im sure they mean well but its a huge surgery and your mother wont be feeling up to having company for a while. Even then it will not be a vacation, your mother will need help. She will probably have a visiting nurse for at least the first month or 2 when she comes home. This is something to ask for when she is beginning to get ready to make plans to get sent home.

As a caregiver for someone having a mandibulectomy, the first month at home will be the hardest. Since you are a full time student, it wont be easy but you will be able to do it. If the out of town family wants to visit, I would suggest having them come at this time, plan for one month after she is due to be discharged as the best time for them to come. So thats about 6 weeks after surgery. This way they will be able to help you care for your mother and she will be up and about and be able to enjoy the company.

My son helped me while I was recovering. He left for the Marines only 3 weeks after I was discharged which made things pretty difficult. It took me a full year to recover from that surgery, but my situation was much different.... I had complications both with the surgery and my recovery. Not many have the kinds of complications I went thru.

As far as swelling, her jaw/face area will be pretty swollen for the first couple weeks. She will still look like herself. It can take a couple months for the swelling to completely subside. Some people barely have any swelling as their surgery isnt that involved. Alot depends on how invasive the surgery will be. If her doctors will be using part of her leg bone there could be other areas to heal besides her jaw.

Best wishes with everything!!!