Annie, I had 40% of my jaw removed, and rebuilt with fibula and titanium. I was hospitalized for about 2 weeks, and the surgery necessitated a feeding tube and a tracheostomy. That said, when I woke up post surgery I was able to talk immediately. I had a bit of limitation in my mouth opening, and a very slight speech deficit. The surgical inscision is significant, but the scar is almost invisible now, 9 months out.

It's a long surgery due to the micro vascular work (mine was 17 hours) but to be honest, I think of all the surgical procedures that occur with oral cancer, this is probably one of the most straightforward in terms of recovering functionality afterwards.

I'm really sorry to hear she's had such a struggle with it. I am not quite a year out from diagnosis, and it has been incredibly difficult from many different perspectives. Hopefully this will be the definitive surggery that will lead to a turnaround in her fortunes.

If there is anything additional that you would like to ask, or if your Mom wants some specific details, send me a PM and I'll try and pass along my experiences in greater detail
My prayers are with you,
Wayne