Vicky1,

I wouldn’t say I was in alot of pain, as I was on pain meds in the hospital and nursing home. They don’t want you in alot of pain as it interferes with healing too.

I looked somewhat different, not with the jaw replacement, but from the weight loss, all the prior surgeries, and the necessity to use the artery and vein from my chest for the mandibulectomy due to having no vascularity in my left neck from prior treatments/surgery, and a skin graft to protect this area too, otherwise, I’m back to my usual pre-surgery self, at two years out. Don’t get me wrong, it was a difficult time, especially being alone, and had my share of words, but actualky, I don’t think about it much now, except when I go to the doctor(s), and try to recollect everything for their review, which is mostly ongoing issues.

I hope this helps!