 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Marv, Susan2992 was there with me in the hospital back in 2009 when I went thru that major surgery and recovery. She sat with me thru some of my darkest days and would check up on me while I was home too. She's someone who helped to encourage me to keep going and Im so glad I did. Thanks Susan!!!!
Susan's correct in advising a second opinion, or third or even a fourth opinion. Going to CCCs where you should encounter the best skilled professionals in the country may help in lessening the amount of tissue removed. In the big picture, the surgeon will have a much clearer view of how much will be taken once hes in the OR and can actually see what they're dealing with.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | 
