Sandy, glad to see you took the leap and have posted. Now I can officially welcome you to OCF. Im so glad you have found this site to help you with info and support.

Your surgery is a big one. A mandibulectomy is very intricate and long procedure. You may be kept asleep for a couple days. It will probably be at least a weeks stay in the hospital, maybe longer.

Please try to have someone stay with you as much as possible to be your voice. If you will have a trach, ask for a possey muir valve so you can easily talk with a trach. It really is important and will make a huge difference. I suggest asking not only your surgeon but every single person you come in contact with to ensure its taken care of.

Please dont be afraid of asking questions, we are all friends here. We will help you as much as possible. Best wishes with the surgery. Please post as soon as you can or have someone post an update and let us know how you make out.

Good luck!!!!

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