Deni,

I was treated for ORN in April 2008. They actually used bone from my hip to reconstruct my jaw bone.

My hip bone was used instead of my fibula because they also needed more tissue to also reconstruct my tongue flap due to damage from the radiotherapy, which going by your signature Bob doesn't have.

Nearly all of my lower jaw was reconstructed, therefore nearly all those teeth/gums were removed. I think they said about 5cm of bone.

I have spoken to some others who recovered very well following their surgery where the fibula had been used, requiring some rehab with walking.

I have several metal thin plates screwed in around my jaw which were put in to hold the new bone in place to ensure that it healed okay. I have since had one of the plates and some screws removed due to an infection that I had from that plate.

I had a trache for about 2 weeks, whilst in the hospital due to the swelling. They actually dissected my neck in the same way that they did during my original operation to remove the tumour and nodes.

My neck is still very tight, but exercises and physio are easing that stiffness. Apparently that is due to the radiated area having to be chopped up again! Damaged scar tissue.

Without teeth eating can be very very difficult, but depending on how many teeth and how much bone they remove will depend on how long he will have to eat soft foods. If Bob doesn't have a tongue flap - that will make things less complicated and should make his recovery much quicker.

Best wishes for the surgery.

Karen