Lower teeth were removed during 3rd surgery (2010) for recurrence of SCC. Now with apx. an inch of exposed jawbone in very back left hand side, the doctors are pushing for a jaw replacement telling me that infections will not stop otherwise. I do not have cancer there and I don't think that I can emotionally take this surgery. I am willing to live with infections and pain.I'm thinking I would rather die than have more surgery. If any one can advise me I would really appreciate it. Marianne

Hi Marianne. We are about the same age. I was born in '46. I have a daughter named Mary Ann.

I truly understand how you feel about more surgery. I used to say I think I would rather die than to have to have my jaw removed or who knows what else. And I was sure I would refuse any further surgeries if they proposed it.

But in January, 2011, one year after finishing treatments of chemo and radiation for SCC, I found out I had a different cancer - colon cancer spread to my lungs - and it is NOT curable. All of a sudden I am willing to do any surgery and it's not possible. I have started chemo that, wouldn't you know it, causes mouth sores. I've only had one treatment and I already have sores. So I get the feeling of still having oral cancer plus the terminal cancer just to survive a little longer than without chemo. And I'm doing it. It's amazing how your thinking changes.

Do whatever you need to do to live longer. We're too young to die.

I had a 50% jaw replacement in 2006, and now am booked for surgery to remove the titanium strapping inserted then, in preparation for a total TNJ replacement.
The thought of more surgery fills me with dread...tempered with the thought that finally I may have some relief again.
"putting up" with anything only lasts so long. a Lifetime is too long...I'm a stubborn man, but 5 years is enough for me

I am waiting to meet with an ENT surgeon for my 2nd appt.. He wants to remove my whole lower jaw and make something to fill the area. My next appt. is for lowering my stomach back to it's original location and insert a feeding tube. That is if he can. He wants me to fatten up before the jaw replacement and it is necessary to lower my stomach for the tube. If not, no tube can be used. If I get at least a 50 - 50 shot, it will be a big OK. Marianne, things seem wild and crazy until they occur. You can do it Mam.

Marianne,
You, like all of us, are stronger than you give yourself credit for. I know looming surgery is a huge black cloud right now eclipsing your vision of the future, but continue to post with your concerns and others that have gone through similar -usually MUCH MORE- will respond and give you hope and help you find your innate inner strength. It's amazing to me how some of these incredible folks can go through so much and still have such a positive attitude and are GETTING THROUGH IT! not only that-but THRIVING. Please don't 'shut down' but look at your options-get another opinion, ask the docs (and these folks) about specifics and how to deal with all the poop coming your way in the most positive way possible.
I'm praying for you and I know you'll find the right course.
gordon

Ive had my lower jaw removed. Im speaking from experience that although it isnt an easy surgery, I am so glad I did it and am still around. Never give up the fight to live! You really can get thru this!

Marianne,
Going through all that we have had to endure is like pregnancy. We look forward to an unknown outcome and endure some awful tourtures and great discomfort afterwards and have the same thoughts of "never again."
My husband recently said that other people go to night clubs,museums,zoos, museums, concerts,etc. but our "dates" are to doctors, the drugstore, the grocery, to pray and to take the grandkids to Walmart.

It is tiring just going to all the appointments even without the debilitating aftereffects of treatments and surgeries. I postponed reconstruction for quite a while but relized that the possible benefits would be worthwhile. Although the surgery and recovery were very difficult and in the end i was not able to have either a prothesis or implants as I had hoped, I am happy that I had the surgery.

I strongly encourage you to go forward with the surgery. Pain is indeed awful but infections are dangerous and can also lead to more pain.