Welcome to OCF, Susan!

Ive also had a mandibulectomy done. I had previously undergone radiation treatments so had compromised healing among other complications. I had already lost my teeth due to radiation damage so my dental issues didnt affect the big surgery (4 months later) at all.

The very first thing I thought of when reading your post was I wonder if she already went thru radiation treatments. I see Paul also asked about that. Radiation treatments can cause patients to have many long lasting issues, some dont show up for years after being treated. Theres a big difference in how to answer your questions depending on if you had rads or not.

I also thought like Paul and was thinking your doc needs to know that you still are continuing to have pain. Some patients can have the pain from having major surgery never seem to go away. Others are luckier, like Paul and have improved in time so they arent hurting anymore. I was like you and had constant pain issues with my shoulder and the left side of my neck and face (surgery side). My doc eventually sent my to a pain management doctor who tried a couple things to no avail. Your pain must be addressed! Nobody should have to go thru having pain every day. Being in pain is actually detrimental to a patients overall health. I know pain also can have a negative impact on the mental health part of being a cancer survivor. Call yoru doc and make an appointment to get some pain meds to alleviate your pain.

Which of your doctors advised you to get $15,000 worth of dental work? Im not sure what you mean by "replacement parts" or "prothesis". Im guessing you are talking about dentures or implants??? After what you've been thru you should be seeing a dental specialist (even more important if you have had rads). If you can find a dental oncologist that would be a very good choice, or a prosthodontist. Do you think your current dental situation was from your cancer or its treatments? Sometimes it all comes down to what codes are used for billing which can be from someone selecting the wrong one making that procedure where its not covered.

Sorry I wasnt more helpful. Once I know a little more about your situation my reply will be geared more towards your current situation.