[quote=Richard T.]Freddy;
From what I can gather, every mandibulectomy is different. It depends on what part of, and how much of the mandible needed to be taken, how many teeth are left and, probably of most importance, how much of the surrounding soft tissue needed to be resected. I lost 2/3 of my mandible but the surgeon was able to save my lower lip and tongue through the use of some skin grafts and a titanium plate. Your cousin will learn to deal with whatever he has in his own way. He probably won't be eating the same things in the same way as he did before but he will find whatever works for him. After a period of emotional and physical adjustment, people tend to define for themselves a new sense of "normal" and simply get on with their lives. I am facing several more reconstructive surgeries and hope to regain most of my formal dietary habits but radiation has forever reduced my ability to produce saliva and has narrowed my esophagus at the epiglottis so some foods that I formally enjoyed are simply off the menu for me now.

I wish your cousin the best of luck. He will need quite a bit of emotional support as he adjusts to his new reality. [/quote]


Hello Freddy my mother-in-law is 72 and weak, she never regained her weight from her glossectomy. She is down to 98 lbs. Has been on ensure and soup diet for 2 years. Her mandibulectomy is Wednesday. I want to know how critical or serious is this surgery.

A doctor must wait for a full year to make certain everything has taken and there is no rejection before they are able to go in at the patients request and fine tune their work. When having a mandibulectomy there is alot of swelling so its not easy to make someone look perfect right from the start. Reconstruction is not a big deal but can make major changes in how someone looks, especially if they have had any complications.



***INA, please make your own thread for asking questions. It takes away from the original posters responses. I can help you if you need help.***


Ina, is your mother in law at a major cancer center like Johns Hopkins? Thats the very best bet for her with this major surgery. A cancer center will be more familiar with the procedure and will have a whole team of specialists on board helping to make important decisions regarding her individual situation.

What you described is where the doctor will be taking muscle, veins, tissue, skin, etc from one area and reusing it to replace what he is removing. Usually they use inside forearm material before they would consider it from another location. Sometimes Its thigh, breast (called a pec flap), hip, etc. But the forearm is usually used as its closest to the facial skin in appearance. When the doc removes part of the bone he will be replacing it with a piece of titanium. He will be taking some of her cheek and then will be covering it all up with skin from her armpit.

A mandibulectomy is a huge surgery. Mine was 10 hours long, some are 8 while others are 14. Its very invasive and she could have staples holding things together when she is finished. Make sure the doc gives her good pain medication. She could be in alot of pain from this for a couple day or weeks. Its a long recovery for some while others are ok in a month or 2. This is one example of where everybody really is different. They will all recover at their own pace. If she will have a trach ask for a possey muir valve so she can easily talk afterwards. Dont be surprised if the doctors dont keep her asleep for a day or two after this surgery. Someone should stay with her in the hospital to be her voice. In my opinion (speaking as someone who has had this surgery) she should not be left alone. She may not be quite herself when she comes out of this. But for others they are just amazing and bounce right back immediately. I was a bit of a slow poke with everything but I had some complications with mine.

Sorry Christine...noted that. Thanks

my cousin had his surgery and seems to be doing really good thank-you for the info.Ina I hope the best for your mother-inlaw I am new to this but ther are people on here that can help you with your questions good luck

[quote=freddy]my cousin had his surgery and seems to be doing really good thank-you for the info.Ina I hope the best for your mother-inlaw I am new to this but ther are people on here that can help you with your questions good luck [/quote]

Good to hear that your cousin is doing good. Thank you so much for your concern, it means so much to our family!! Joyce is post surgery over 48 hours. Not doing as well as we thought. It could be her being weak to start with. Been on a ventilator since her surgery, received blood transfusion last night and kidneys are being stabilized. I am very concerned Freddy being so far from her. Take care of your cousin. Your cousin is always in my thoughts and prayers.

Thanks for posting that your cousin is doing ok. Its a huge surgery and recovery can be long and difficult. Wishing your cousin a fast pain-free recovery.