I would appreciate any information on fibula free flap reconstructive surgery both positive and negative. My dentist has been carefully observing and has seen a definite shift in my bite. He recommends reconstruction and both he and the head and neck oncologist have told me that I can wait until after I go on Medicare in May. In the meantime, I am trying to find out exactly what is involved, particularly the recovery process, lasting effects and prognosis for success/failure.

Most of my left mandible was removed July 27, 2005. The ENT oncologist thought that I would probaly not need reconstruction for either cosmetic or functional reasons. We did consult with a plastic surgeon who explained the fibula free flap surgery. My husband and I agreed that I should wait until later for reconstruction if necessary. We had been on a medical roller coaster for the past 2 years and both the extended time in the OR and the recuperation from the additional surgery were more than we wanted to face.

Our oddessy began in spring 2003 when I decided that as I was soon turning 60 I would have my 1st mammogram and colonoscopy. The mammogram showed bilateral densities and I had to have ultrasound - everything checked out OK there. In the summer I decided to look into Laser surgery for my eyes and found out that I had the beginning of glaucoma and cataracts and immediately set up an appointment for cataract removal. In the fall I had esophogeal dilation for dysphasia. On follow-up I told the Gastroenterologist that I was having terible indigestion and he suggested a CT to see if there was a problem which had not shown up in my GI tract between the area examined in the colonoscopy and the subsequent endoscopy. Everything checked out fine there but a spot was found on each kidney. The result of that was that in January, 2004 I had a partial nephrectomy and found out that there was a malignancy which was encapsulated and had not mestastasised. [I just had an annual CT and after 3 years the second spot has not grown and the "bad" kidney is doing OK.] I also had to go through more tests for examination of a spot which was found on an ovary, but thank G-d it proved to be nothing to worry about. That summer my husband realized that he should have a colonoscopy. Some malignant cysts were removed and in July he had part of his colon removed and so far, no recurrance. In early 2005 my dentist noticed a pocket under a crowned tooth and monitored it for change. I was not concerned because I had a pocket under another crown for many years with no problems. In a followup exam there were definite changes and he set up an appointment for me with an oral surgeon. The result was that the biopsy taken indicated SCC and I was referrred to a head and neck oncologist.

Did you notice the date of surgery?? JULY, 2005. I was discharged on August 9 with a PEG tube because a fissure in my neck had not yet closed. That required changing dressings twice a day. I live in New Orleans. The infamous Madame Katrina came to town the end of August. Had I opted for the reconstruction, I probably would have still been in the hospital. As it was, I almost was sent to the extended care facility (at least a 6 week stay required) because of the fissure, but it was healing better than expected. We evacuated to Houston - what fun - driving all day and half the night while dealing with a feeding tube!!