Dianna, welcome to OCF! Im so sorry you have the need for our group. We will gladly help you with info and support. Hopefully by joining our online family it will help ease your mind so you dont have to be afraid. We have been where you are and fully understand the huge changes you are trying to adapt to.

Treatments and doctors can vary greatly from center to center. I hate to think you were not given the very best care due to being on SSI and disabled. The best thing I can advise is for you to read and educate yourself about your illness so you can be a strong advocate. An informed patient is able to ask the right questions and get the best care. If you are in pain, go see your doc and get something to help manage the pain. You have been thru a major surgery and recovery can take a long time. If you havent already been to see a speech therapist or speech pathologist, they could probably help you with your recovery.

Best wishes with your continued recovery.

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