Malka, my surgeon says that I would be in the hospital about a week. I think that is to be sure that the grafted artery stays open and that the graft isn't lost. EEK!

I, too, want to know about the process itself...how long I will need care of someone else...how long before I can speak normally...what the chances are of permanent leg problems.

I have met two ladies who have had this surgery--for maxillary and palatal loss. One, Gloria, is in Jasper, TX, and the other, Cheryl, is in Shrevcport. Both were very forthcoming. So at least I have a source of information.

I have even looked into Cheryl's mouth, and I have seen her pictures from start to finish.

My prosthodontist has been more informative than my surgeon. He says that some doctors are placing implants into the grafted bone at the time of surgery, he prefers to have about six months of healing time first. Then he places implants, which need about six months to ossify before they can accept any sort of load. In the meantime, there are various cosmetic denture devices that can be used for cosmetic purposes. The implants are not dental implants. They are implants to hold a removeable bridge.

I plan to call her soon with my list of questions. One difference in her tumor, while more extensive than mine, was not malignant. She did have a larger "defect" and couldn't get satisfaction with the obturator. That is not an issue for you, Malka, but you have other reasons to want this surgery.

Our surgeries would be different, but the issues with the harvest of the fibula would be the same.

I'll make contact with her soon, and I'll ask questions for both of us. She is doing great, evidently.