Hello. I had my surgery on April 3. I don't know if I have the right terminology but it reads like this: 'Excision of carcinoma to left buccal region. I had this done at the USC Keck Medical Hospital. My frustration is (mostly on me) I didn't ask enough questions and unfortunately wan't told what to expect post-op. briefly, after a 6 hour surgery I woke up the following day in ICU. The left side of my face was huge. Left arm was bandaged as the skin was taken for the flap in my left cheek. And skin was removed from my thigh and grafted to my arm. I was cut from the center of my lower lip, down and toward my ear.

It's been a little over 6 weeks. I am rather despondent as the flap in my mouth has not shrunk even a tiny bit. It's pretty much taken over the left side of the mouth and at times tends to protrude just a bit. The swelling along the jaw and below the chin had gone down about 20-30%. I'm also going to lymphedema and speech therapy once a week although I don't think my speech as changed much (I'm told). I'm told it could take months for the swelling to comedown and perhaps longer for the flap to reduce and debulk. I have started eating from the right side of the mouth (not a pretty sight) and the G-tube should be removed next week.

Is all this normal? Am I worrying too much? They tell me it will be a new normal. I wish I know what exactly that meant. And by the way, there was no radiation or chemo done. Except for the face and cheek area, I have no other problems. I just wish to have a fairly normal life...go out to eat, travel, socialize. I realize I'll never get my old life back but close enough will be great.

Thank you for your time. Any advice and opinions will be invaluable.