I have been lurking these forums for some time, both pre-op and post op, and I have found a lot of good information, a really some strong people who are dealing with a lot more than I have. I'd first like to say that when I felt miserable about my condition both with pre-op jitters and post-op sadness, boy did I feel selfish about that when I read some of stories on here. You are all brave souls, no matter what phase of treatment you are in.

I have a few questions on recovery, and I am hoping to get a little light shined on the "medium" to "long" term recuperating. Here is a brief description of me and whatI went through:

I am 32, non-drink, non-smoker. I was discovered to have a tumor on the lower left mandible. It was at first biopsied as a low grade osteosarcoma, but given time it did not have the aggression of cancer. But after a few years , the mass had become a problem functionally in my jaw.

I had the tumor removed December 23, 2013, and as per the "norm" one surgeon performed the resection while the another performed the fibula free flap surgery, which took about 8 hours at a California hospital.

Post op I had some complications with nausea, and IVs but nothing major and I went home with in 8 days. They removed more teeth than I had thought they would--the back wisdom tooth all the way up, leaving just the very front left tooth. I had hopes that the 2 and 3rd tooth back could be saved but I guess not. On the plus side though, the analysis on the tumor came back as "Cemento ossifying fibroma" which is non-cancerous, and will not require radiation or chemo follow up.

Of course, I came out very swollen under the chin and and on the left cheek. Also, my leg was swollen very much in the ankle, and much of the lower leg. The swelling has subsided some, and as for walking, I spent about 2.5 weeks in the "boot", and have been walking without it after that. The ankle is still fairly stiff, and swollen. As for the face, my swelling has subsided, but the lower chin has become very hard, and is quite big still. Chewing has become better, eating very tender meats, in very small pieces, over very long periods of time.

Now finally for the questions! I am curious other people's experience's getting back to "normal" after surgery. I am curious to know when the facial swelling will be essentially gone. I also would like to know people's experience with dentures versus implants, and if anyone has gotten insurance to cover implants, as my surgeons currently do not think that will happen. If anyone has an idea on cost for implants that would be helpful too.

Secondly, while not an athlete, I really enjoy running, and often participated in mud runs and obstacle races. Some may find it odd, but the functionality of my leg was one of the biggest concerns I had with this surgery. I can walk relatively well now, with only minor aches and pains now 6 weeks out, and even went for a hike on a mild trail. But so far the ankle will not provide the flexibility to RUN! Are there any other runners out there that can share their experiences and time frame on getting back to the run? I am currently in physical therapy, (just started due to mix ups in authorizations and typical insurance/hospital run-around) and REALLY REALLY want to run more than anything.

I apologize for the "wall of text", and I really feel for all of you going through everything that you are. If there is anyone out there who I can answer questions for as far as what I have been through so far, please let me know and I would be glad to provide as much insight as I am able to.