Welcome to OCF, Susie. Im glad you have joined our group and posted. We will help you get thru this next surgery and recovery. Im so very sorry about what you have been thru and the path it has now lead you to.

A mandibulectomy is a big surgery. Its usually 10+ hours. Ive seen many go thru this (including myself). As far as pain meds, make sure your doc understand you live in constant pain and it needs to be well controlled. I suggest asking to doc to prescribe 2 different types of medicine. This way you can alternate between the 2 and never have to wait until 'its time' for your next dose. Afterwards if you are still in constant pain maybe go a low dose of the fentanyl patch instead of taking meds every few hours.

At your treatment facility ask if they have counselors or therapists you can talk with. It sounds like you have many things going on and could use a hand. Life isnt easy for a single parent, Ive been there and understand what its like. Add in facing your own mortality with a deadly disease and its so much more difficult. A large percentage of OC patients become depressed which is easy to understand after how horrible the treatments can be. It would be a good idea to have someone to help you in the professional capacity, maybe some meds would be helpful as well.

Please know you are not alone, we have been there and understand all too well the ups and downs of what you are going thru. We are in your corner. Stop back and post often.

Best wishes!