I had my surgery almost exactly a year ago actually...boy time flies. I was in ICU for 2 days and held 8 more observation/recovery. I couldn't leave the Seattle area (procedure done at UW med center) for 30 days and then finally released to go home. I lived a state away from my surgeon so he wanted me close just in case of any complications.

I have weakness in my left leg where they took my fibula and tissue for my flap. I get a little swelling just above my ankle now and again but other then that I walk fine, running is "different", lifting weights (squats but no calf raises) is fine. I have just a hint of a limp, stairs show it mostly.

They replaced the entire right side of my jaw and I lost all of my teeth on the lower right side. They had to wire my jaw shut for two months for alignment issues so all nourishment was by PEG. The removal of the braces was painful, but I don't know if that was normal.

I don't know if any of my info will be of much help as I had my neck dissection, flap and mandiblectomy done at the same time. My primary tumor was huge and removing the damaged tissue and bone compromised my facial nerve, paralyzing the right side of my face, delaying how long it took me to eat, swallow etc...

I can say that afterwards I feel like I'm doing great with all of my issues really being from the facial paralysis which your husband shouldn't have to worry about. If you have any questions I can answer specifically feel free to ask but I really don't know how much to say.

good luck, hope it helps, ask if you need anything

Eric