Steve, welcome to OCF! Ive been thru a failed mandibulectomy too. Boy does it stink!!! I had several complications and my body rejected the titanium plate that was to replace my original jawbone. Unfortunately this left me in a medically induced coma for 3 weeks and a 2 month hospital stint. It also left me permanently disfigured.

Dont rush into plastic reconstructive surgery too quickly. It takes a patients body at least 12 months to heal before that should be attempted. I would hate to see you rush into that type of surgery and have it be unsuccessful. I know its not easy to walk around missing part of your jaw but there are far worse things in life. If your reason for only waiting 6 months before reconstructive surgery is due to concern over your looks, remember every single person will have their looks fade over time. Ive never seen anyone who is over 70 that looked like they did when they were young. What you have on the inside is something that wont change, no matter what you look like you are still the same person inside and there isnt a surgeon out there who can take that away from you no matter what they do to the outside "wrapping". I know all too well how hard it is to look different in todays world and how much society falsely dictates a person looks relate to what they have on the inside. Its not easy and you are not alone with any of this. Ive been there and understand. Most of the swelling should go down within 3 or 4 months. It can take a full year for all of the swelling to be completely gone before another surgery should be attempted. You didnt mention if you had radiation, that would play a big part in how easily your body will heal from surgery. With infections, you may need IV antibitoics and/or hyperbaric oxygen treatments to help with healing.

Unfortunately there isnt much that anyone can do to help ensure the operation will be a success. Choosing the proper experienced surgeon who is familiar with treating oral cancer patients will play a big role in the success of the surgery. As far as preparing your body for the surgery, eating as healthy possible cant hurt but besides that there really isnt much you can do.

Please dont be afraid to ask questions, you are among friends and I will do my best to help you. Ive been thru something very similar and have seen several others deal with this as well.

Best wishes!