Eric, do you feel that your facial paralysis is due to the surgery involved in the mandibulectomy and reconstruction, or to the neck dissection? I had some of the same issues, from the surgery itself.....drooping lower lip, numb upper lip.....inability to smile or kiss...numbness and stoppage in my ear.....but it all came mostly back. I can't make a perfect "o" with my mouth, but other than that, all is normal. I had some issues after the ND, such as some damage to my singing voice bec. of damage to the laryngeal nerve....and some nerve damage resulting in Horner's Syndrome, which oddly involves eyelid damage, abnormal pupillary response, and lack of sweating on the affected side (very odd indeed.)

I am mostly interested in why you think you had the paralysis, because I am interested in having reconstructive surgery done for my maxillectomy, using the same fibular free-flap surgery.

BTW..how is your leg? and your walking?

Thanks. XO--Colleen