Hi Trout125,

I’ve had a segmental mandibulectomy to my left jaw in 2017. My ENT Surgeon, who I had since 2012, was assisted by the plastic surgeon. It was sort of straight forward as it was for osteoradionecrosis of the jaw, but pretty much still the same type surgery for cancer. I went in on a Friday, had 8 hour surgery, including a graft from the right thigh, and fibula from the right lower leg to place in my jaw. Due to lack of vasculature to my left jaw from prior surgery and radiation, I had the vessels taken from my chest.

After surgery, once I was awake a day later in “Step Down,” I had the boot on my leg to keep it immobile. I had a tracheotomy for the week I was there. They switched out for a speaking value that Monday or Tuesday, so I was able to communicate after that, otherwise my poor hand signage was trying, and had no cell phone for a day or two after surgery to use I-speak. I really couldn’t use I-speak on my cell phone anyway due to poor vision after surgery. I didn’t have family or anyone to visit or stay with me for the week, which was a bummer, so if you have visitors that is very helpful.

Due to prior surgery/treatment, I really couldn’t go home after a week, which I didn’t plan on, so I went locally to a rehab center for several months. I actually think I could have used another week in the hospital. Healing was difficult from prior treatment, so it took a month for the trachea to heal, and leg didn’t, so I had resurgery several months later, and numerous doctor visits.

I hope this helps.