Hi Corlis. I have had that surgery. Two months healing is reasonably realistic if it's surgery only, no RT of chemo. You might have to have speech therapy but the flap and graft sites should be good to go by then. I had no great trouble with speech and eating within that time.

Yes, the wait is absolutely horrible. No chance of an earlier time? I've also had a similar wait ... I sort of think doctors consider a 6 week wait acceptable. They don't think the cancer will spread and they have to book in a range of specialists to carry out the intricate surgery. It's so hard for us to mark time but you can make sure you are as fit as possible for the surgery.

Wishing you well.


1996, ovarian cancer surgery + cisplatin and taxol.
September, 2007, SCC of left lateral tongue. Excision.
October, 2009 recurrence in scar tissue, T1NOMO. Free flap surgery from left wrist - neck dissection. 63 year old New Zealander. No chemo, no RT.
February, 2014. New primary in left buccal mucosa. Marginal mandibulectomy, neck dissection, right arm free forearm flap. T1N0M0 but third occurrence and some areas of concern: RT started 8 April and finished 19 May.