| | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) |  Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Im so glad to ready your post. Its so encouraging to read of someone who has done a complete turn around. Best wishes for continued recovery!
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | | | | | Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 24 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 24 | I thought that I should write up "the rest of the story", in case anyone in the future reads this saga when they are facing the same issues that Harry did.
The treatment plan worked beautifully. No further surgery was needed. The infection was cured and the hole in Harry's mouth closed up. He was discharged from the oral surgeon's care in late March, with a follow up in 6 months. He no longer takes any pain medication (a little tough for several days while he got off the pain meds).
There is no visible scar on his neck. His jaw looks perfectly normal. You could never tell by looking at him that a bone is missing and there is an implant in there. The hyperbaric treatments took care of the wrinkles on his face, so at age 81, he now has a fully smooth face! The VA doctor commented on his wrinkle free face just today. He has regained all of the weight he lost (15 pounds). He has great energy and no pain. He looks better than he has in years and feels better too!
Eating is still a problem, so he continues with feedings via peg tube, while trying to eat some food by mouth.
We have started to travel again and have a full summer travel schedule planned. We just got back from a week in Ireland (taking his Ensure with us). Had a great time. Harry's plan is to keep going as far and as fast as he can, as long as he is able to go. He advises all his friends to do the same.
We are very pleased with the final result of this surgery and wish equally good luck to others who have to go through this ordeal!
avw
wife/caregiver
SCC base of tongue 2004
teeth extracted (7) 2004 and (6) 2010
Radiation & Cisplatin 2004
PEG tube 7/2004 to 5/2007
ORN 2009
HBOT: 80 total (2009 to 2011)
Mandible resection & titanium implant 12/20/10
Post surg infection 1/1/11
PEG tube again 1/26/11 to 10/2011
Aspiration pneumonia 2/1/11
Pain free since 2011!
Bridge to replace all bottom teeth 2012
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Anne, thank you for coming back with such wonderful news!!!! Your post is what gives people hope when things look bleak. Your husband went thru so much! You had your work cut out for you as his advocate. I went back and reread what his struggles were. I am so pleased that HBO has helped him to heal. Whenever I have done it, I have always felt so much better. Thank you for letting us know about his recovery and what a difficult road he traveled. Please try not to be a stranger. Wishing both of you continued good health and happy trails
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive | | |
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