Thanks everyone. I appreciate all your feedback. Zenda - I did go back and read all your posts more closely, so that was all very helpful. We just received a copy of my husband's CAT scan and blood work, and it was an interesting read (after I looked up about 20 anatomical words :-) Again, we have been, with our doctor's blessing, running our own experiment with cold laser therapy since July, 2015. We bought our own medical-grade cold laser machine and have used it on my husband's jaw and neck 5x a week with a few weeks off here and there. So, before July, my husband was getting infections that caused swelling, trismus, and a lot of pain. He could only eat pureed soups and soft foods until antibiotics would kick in. In July, he developed what I have been calling a fistula, but the CAT scan report calls an ulcer. Since about December, he no longer has swelling, trismus, or very much pain. He is eating all kinds of foods. He was tested for infection, and that came back clear. His soft tissue in his jaw and neck (that was like cement) has all softened, and his skin looks great. However, he still has this drainage through the outside of the lower right jaw. Not a lot at this point, but a little every day. So, the CAT scan indicates that all his right mandibular soft tissue is OK but denser than normal, and that a section of his jawline has a moth eaten appearance (due to radiation therapy) and that appears not to be a huge issue (not immediately, at least). The only thing it really calls out as an issue is a possible abscess at the root of 2 pre-molar teeth, and the accompanying 'ulcer' that is about an inch under that area. It doesn't even mention any exposed jawbone, and I'm not even sure if it is there anymore. I don't currently have access to the original CAT scan from 4 years ago. So, we're going to start cold lasering that specific tooth root area, and get him back to either the dentist or a new oral surgeon at UF Shands Oral Clinic. As you indicate you are not a fan of surgery, neither is he, and we're trying this personal experiment to see whether he can avoid it. I'll keep you posted as things progress.