Alpaca & Cheryld - thanks so much for the detailed info. The more information I have, the calmer I feel. I have what I believe is a great doc here at Mission Hospital with the Head & Neck group. Surgery is scheduled for the end of January.

Alpaca - they have mentioned shaving my right mandible to get a cleaner margin if needed. I am wondering how long until you are able to speak normally again?

Also - is there anything I can do to help prepare for this surgery ahead of time?

Thanks again folks - really helps to have your collective wisdom.

11/2014 - DX SCC, S3N0M0
Non-smoker/drinker/drugs, no cancer of any kind in family, HPV negative
2/10/15 neck dissection, nodes removed (all clear), moderately differentiated mass removed from cheek & hinge of jaw, free flap graft. Clear margins. Micro infiltration into some of the vascular structures in the local area of tumor. PEG tube 1 week later
4/6/15 - Begin 40 Rads & 4 rounds Cisplatin
5/27/15 - rads & chemo complete.
12/5/15 - PET/CT clear. Watch & wait...