HI ALL, case you haven't crossed over, my sorted story is over in the introduce yourself forum : ) basic gist, i have an ameloblastoma, a very rare jaw tumor which is NOT malignant. the only treatment is a maxillectomy and have been meeting with a maxofacial surgeon at HUP. will be removing approx. 3/4 of maxilla, top jaw from farther eye tooth to end of line left with bottom of sinus. long story short, NOT a whole lot of support for those with my tumor out there and NOT a lot of info. the only way i have gotten any advice and information was thru this site, as unfortunately the procedure is done most often for malignancies. i also have to add that i am incrediably grateful to have found such warm and caring people here! it has made such a difference and has provided me so much comfort. did meet with my surgeon again today and scheduled the surgery for july 24th. will have another scan end of this month case there is more growth (good grief please NO!!!) STILL NO WORD still from the other guy (who as some of you know have been waiting on for a second opinion for some time!) now i am getting well, pretty ticked all together. i mean, come on, he could of at least passed me on to someone else if not at all interested! so...ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR SURGEONS WELCOME! am in philadelphia, pa. hoping to find a good referal and really hoping to get into someone's office asap, it would certainly make me feel more at ease. did get one name so far over at jeffereson and calling tomorrow. feel free with any suggestions to my personal email (since names and all) i feel kinda like me and my tumor really belong anywhere. maxillectomies are definitely done more often in the cancer department than my department (maxofacial/dental) but since obviously not malignant i have not been seen there. of course this makes me somewhat concerned to say the least, I mean who wouldn't want to be in the department where they are performed more? the second opinion i have been seeking is from the oral cancer dept, but like said, no avail. my surgeon today did say that he has performed this surgery but did confirm my suspicion that it is not as regularly done in his dept., still feel uneasy (let's face it will feel uneasy anyhow : ) HAPPY THOUGHTS TO YOU ALL AND THANKS AS ALWAYS FOR LISTENING : ) marieka