I was told that to ensure the highest possible likelyhood of success they would only use my own bone. No chance of rejection that way.

I had a little more than 40% of my jaw rebuilt using titanium and fibula from my left leg. I limp, and walk with a cane BUT...I am alive, my jaw functions about 90% of what it was before cancer, you can't even see the scar unless I point it out to you, and did I mention...I AM ALIVE.

It's not an easy surgery. I was on the table for 17 hours. I spent 12 days in hospital, but I was eating soft foods by the time I left. I woke up able to talk, and had issues during recovery...at least up to the point when I started radiation.

It will be O.K.
It's not going to be easy, but it will be OK
Wayne


SCC left mandible TIVN0M0 40% of jaw removed, rebuilt using fibula, titanium and tissue from forearm.June 06. 30 IMRT Aug.-Oct. 06