Elizabeth, I am sorry that this thread has been reduced to this by the way...welcome to the OCF boards I guess.

Colleen!! I love you of course and will answer any and all of your questions because you are you!

They compromised my facial nerve removing the damaged tissue caused by my primary tumor prior to inputting my flap. My surgeon told me they would have to "stretch the nerve" to get to all of the areas needed and there was a possibility of the nerve regaining function...to date no good. My ENT says there is no hope there.

My surgeon also told me that I'd likely have nerve damage to my tongue and lower lip due to the neck dissection procedure, also due to where my cancerous nodes were, size etc. I too have issues with my voice, I can't raise my voice or talk loudly.

The leg is weak, I haven't been able to run on it and still walk with a slight limp. I can do squats(weightless) but no calf raises. I managed a bike ride with the kids the other day however am paying for it now...dancing is a challenge as well.

Hope that helps Colleen, you rock, PM me or hit me on facebook if you need more info www.facebook.com/eric.statler