Richard, Im very sorry to read what you will be going thru. Im wishing you the very best with your upcoming surgery. If you havent already begun to eat like crazy not is crunch time. Have all your favorites so you dont go into this having cravings. Three weeks with a nasal tube in my opinion is being conservative. It could be longer.

Another pointer is not to be afraid to ask for pain meds. If you are uncomfortable tell them, dont minimize it and try to tough it out. Being in pain has never helped a patient recover faster, it only makes them hurt. If you can have someone with you during waking hours that would be great. You would have someone there to watch out for your best interests and speak up for you, in case you arent able to advocate for yourself.

Best wishes, please keep us posted how you make out.


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