Welcome to OCF, Reno! You're in the very best place to get info and support for your daughters upcoming surgery. The surgery your daughter is having, many of our members have been thru. I, myself have not had any "salvage" surgery using my leg bone so Im sorry I dont know how best to respond. I know its a long surgery (anywhere from 8-10 or more hours) that can take a while until your daughter is well enough to be released from the hospital. Over the years, Ive seen many here who have had similar procedures discuss PT for their leg. Im sorry but I cant remember any specifics. The mandibulectomy surgery while it may be common around here, its one of many different oral cancer surgery possibilities. Theres so many variables with things like this where you may run into the "everybodys different" scenario. It could take a little bit before someone who has been thru something similar replies. Im sure you can pick up many tips to address all your questions about "the boot", clothing etc by reading thru previous posts. That will also help you to learn more about your daughters cancer, about any other treatment possibilities. Your daughter may take to wearing skirts to alleviate any clothing struggles.

Your daughter will need lots of help to get thru this. Anyone who offers their assistance, your daughter should write down their name and contact info and tell everyone when the time comes she will let them know what they can do to help. As I mentioned earlier, the hospital stay could be a long one. Im pretty sure she will not be feeling the best while shes there. Most hospitals will allow family members to stay 24/7 with someone with this type of major surgery, thats even if their rules specifically say certain visiting hours. If its possible to have friends and family stay with her around the clock that would be a huge help. Her speech may make communication difficult so a dry erase board is a good idea as is taking an ipad with the "Speak it" app so she can type and the ipad will say what she wants. Ive had a close friend who depended on that to be her voice after she lost her ability to speak. It works great!!!

At this time, your daughter may want to eat all her favorite foods, desserts too. Her ability to eat is likely to be compromised for a while so she does not want to go into this with any cravings. If shes on the average or slim side gaining a few pounds now would also be a good plan. Tell your daughter to be especially careful about every single vitamin and supplement she takes. Even seemingly run of the mill vitamins should be run by her doctor to make sure it will not interfere with any of her upcoming treatments.

Im sure theres a million more things you will see discussed here that can be a big help in preparing for this upcoming surgery. Staying busy doing positive things helps pass the time until her surgery. Im sure your daughter will need help once she goes home from the hospital. Many hospitals will send our visiting nurses to check on patients. If thats an option, she should consider taking advantage of it. Ive had visiting nurses many times and always found them to be a huge help!

Best wishes!!!