Some of you know that I found out on Weds that my cancer is back. This time is on the right side back on the gum gum line were the wisdom teeth go on the inside close to the tongue.

The plan is to remove the tumor and around 2 inch's of my jaw. Then rebuild the floor of my mouth and my jaw with body tissue and bone from leg. 12 hours of surgery for all of this work.

Can anyone tell who has gone through this and how did it work. I am scared with all the work that is planned. My doctor said I am very healthy and the healing time will be quick.

thank you to everyone on here, we all have daily hurdles to face and we do it.

Barry

Hey Barry
Christine and Eric are probably the most current experienced guys who have undergone this operation although we have many members who have undergone this invasive and difficult procedure.
I know you will get lots of help and advice on how to cope post op and whats involved so just ask any question that comes in to your head .Knowledge is power and will help you through the next few difficult wekks.

Barry,

You are actually getting the same surgery I had, mandiblectomy w/fibular free flap, done at the same hospital.

Here is a link to a video of a patient that had the surgery at the UWMC http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7jW5wTosR8

You're case is a bit different then hers as she never did have radiation. It's an informative video.

Remember though, everybody is different...my experience was different then hers and there are many variables to it. You are still at one of the top programs in the States and I believe good hands.

Feel free to ask any specific questions you may have...but as far as it goes, I had the surgery and am still alive almost 2 years later.

Barry, I too have had the same surgery. It was 14hrs long and I was kept sedated in ICU for a few days afterwards, I had to have a PEG and trach placed. I often say to people that it was the easiest part of my treatment, as side from my trach issues. My leg is alittle disfigured but functions as normal as it did before. My incisions are not as noticeable anymore and healed up fine. As far as oropharnyx region, everyone will be alittle different in that area as far as recovery, I still have swallowing issues but other than that, I'm alive and kicking.

It's scary when first told all the details about the surgery, feel free to ask any questions, someone is bound to know the answer.

Barry,
I had the same surgery. The next day a person from physical therpy in my room and got me up to walk. I had to put weight on the leg that had the bone removal, but I was warned to walk on it as though I was walking on crackers and didn't want to break them. That went on for two days and then it was determined that I was doing fine and I could put more weight on that leg. After five days I was walking normal, but slowly. As far as the jaw being rebuilt after three weeks I got used to the different feeling. The worst is having no feeling where the jaw bone was replaced. If you are eating and some food drops outside your mouth, you have no idea it is there. I found by being up front and telling people who are sitting at the table that you have no feeling in a certain area and would they please tell you if some food is there, you have no problem. People are very helpful.
At first I had lots of Carnation Instant breakfast, milkshakes, jello etc. ,but now I eat everything that I can cut up. I have no teeth in the area where my jaw was replaced, and I choose not to have inplants as I have doubts about the pretreatment prior to inplants. I have gained weight and am back to normal, with the expection of no feeling in that certain area. Good luck and with a positive attitude you will be just fine.

Hacklene

This is one post that really interest me. I think I posted that they want to take all of my lower jaw because the bone is dead, all of my tongue, lowewr my stomache back to where it belongs, then do the track and feeding tube and use my left shoulder for a flap or whatever. 2 surgeons working in unison for over 15 hrs for sure or longer. Thanks Eric, Hacklene and ESKion. I am glad t you asked this question Barry as I really didn't want to. Now I am glad to know.

trac not track LOL

Thank you everyone for the response back. I will get through, if I can get my nerves to calm down. I just 2 and � weeks from surgery and wish it was here.

Now it is the fighting game with my disability department. (UNUM) I asked the Doctor to take me off work starting the 8th. The disability feels that it should not start until the 12th the day of surgery. I have a few tests that week and my parents are coming in to help. I need to show them around so they now were they are going. I will win the battle, just more stress to add.

Thank you all

lvredrock,, with your positive thinking, you are a winner for sure. The game at times seems to be into overtime.

Lvredrock - you and the others contributing to this thread are a real inspiration to me. Compared to what you're facing my own last year with cancer seems like a walk in the park.

You've got a lot of people here in your corner, and what sounds like excellent support at your end too.

Please keep us posted. Although you'll doubtless have some tough times, I have no doubt that with your great attitude things will turn out beautifully.

David 2