My name is Terry. I'm a long-term survivor (17 yrs) of stage IV cancer. As a result of rad tx, I developed radioosteonecrosis in my left jaw, which required jawbone replacement surgery in June 2012. Extensive dental work, feeding tube until 04.13, and SLP for swallowing exercises; today I think I'm almost out of the woods. My question to others with similar circumstances is, what are the long-term survival prospects; any complications (i.e., rejection?) experienced? Anyone have dental implants put into the "new" jawbone? What were the outcomes? Any insights would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Terry Colborn

Hi Terry, just want to say welcome. LOVE to hear that you're a 17-year survivor! Others here have lots of experience with the issues you're facing and will be along soon to offer ideas --

Best,

Mama

Welcome to OCF! Its always great to have fellow survivors join, especially long term ones.

Ive had a mandibulectomy. It was not easy for me at all. Unfortunately I lost all my teeth prior to the mandibulectomy due to radiation damage. Im not a candidate for implants. What did the surgeon use to replace your jawbone, your leg bone? I would be very cautious if you would attempt to get implants. Seek out at least 2 opinions before making this big decision. If it fails, you could damage the new bone and have far bigger problems.

Best wishes!

Thanks for your response, Christine. I was very happy to find this site, and moreover to know there are others who have undergone the same surgery I had. It hasn't been easy for me. I'm still having difficulty swallowing, although it continues to improve, if ever so slightly. I still drink high octane smoothies daily to try and get enough calories, having lost 25lbs with the surgery. My Dr used a piece of my R fibula for the replacement. I've been experiencing some pain and slight swelling from the site over the past 2 days, which is why I asked if anyone on this forum has knowledge about the possibility of a rejection. I'm proceeding very cautiously regarding implants, even though my surgeon has given a green light.
Thanks again for your response. Terry

Hi Mama. Your timeline description is very similar to what I experienced 17 yrs ago. Stage IV cancer on a tonsil that had metastasized to my L neck. 37 tx of Rad, a radical neck dissection followed by a yr of cemo. I wish you all the very best as you begin the process. Good luck and best wishes, Terry.

Its not that common for the leg bone to get rejected. If it would happen, it would usually be right away like within the first 2 months of the 'transplant'.

A titanium 'bone' was used for my mandibulectomy. My body rejected it. This happened almost immediately. It was about 2 weeks after the surgery that I was right back on the table having the titanium removed.

If something doesnt feel right, go to the doc and get checked out. If its nothing, it cant hurt you to get checked. At least it will give you piece of mind that everything is ok.

Best wishes!

Yeah on the survival time - so awesome!!!! and Christine knows all there is to know about this type of surgery. There are a few jaw removals/replacements here who are doing quite well. ;o) welcome