 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Im sorry to hear what your father is going thru! Try not to panic and think too far ahead. The change in surgery was likely the result of what the doc discovered when they began the surgery. To me, it sounds like your father is in good hands. Every single patient will react in their own unique way and at their own pace. Its not possible for us (caregivers and patients) to know his long term QOL, it would be just guessing.
Ive had a neck dissection and a pec flap when I had my mandibulectomy in 2009. My situation was very different due to complications I had. It can be a long recovery for many patients with at least 5-10 days in the hospital and months of recovery later. One tip I learned is to keep ahead of the pain. The first week or so can be pretty bad. Maybe Im wimpy but I had my doc prescribe 2 pain meds so I could alternate between the 2 and never have to wait for the next dose if I was hurting.
Hang in there, please keep us posted. Dont forget to take time just for you and be kind to yourself. You have alot on your shoulders with so many things depending on you.
(((HUGS)))
ChristineSCC 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  | 
