Hi Suzie,
I have a similar diagnosis as yours, but mine began in the upper jaw. I started this journey 6 years ago with my first surgery removing teeth and gum in the upper right side. It's good you have a prosthodontist already, as I did, because they can have a temporary prosthesis ready to use right after surgery. Your situation is different, being it is the lower jaw and a little more complicated by the movement, but it sounds like you have an experienced team. Like the others who have responded, I am wondering why you have just seen an oral surgeon and not an oncologist? I did not have radiation the first surgery, but when the cancer returned 2 years later, I did. Some people respond well to just surgery, but you will need close monitoring as it can come back without warning. I have had multiple prostheses made following each surgery, and am currently having a new one constructed. Let me know what kind of questions you have and I'm happy to try to answer them. If you have good insurance, you should find that most of it is covered (because it is medical, not dental), but you will probably have to be persistent as they generally deny it at first. I see your surgery is this Wednesday. I will be praying for your quick recovery and will check back here to see if you've written an update. Best wishes!