I had no idea how devastating and heart wrenching the recovery process from a mandiblectomy free flap could be. My husband's jaw was removed up to his canine. The bone pathology reported a 2 to 3 mm clear margin and trace cancer in two lymph nodes.

6 weeks of radiation starting in a couple of weeks.

I read that each mm of clear bone margin can add up to 10% survival for the 5 year statistic. I am guessing surgeons don't go back in to cut a few more mm? Does radiation take care of clearing the equivalent of a greater margin? I feel we are doing the right treatment, I would just like some reassurance

Thank you, Sophie.

Sophie, put your trust in that you have selected the best physicians available and the doctors are doing their best. I know its hard not to second guess your decisions but none of us have the background to be able to weigh in on this. We are not only not doctors but specialists who have extra years of schooling and practice behind us. We dont have the patient and their full medical history in front of us and its over the internet. What we can do is help guide you with info and support.

I know the mandibulectomy is difficult. Ive gone thru it twice and I wouldnt wish it on anyone. Its truly horrible in every nuance of the word. Wishing your husband all the very best with his recovery. he is lucky to have you by his side. Please dont forget to take some time for you, being a caregiver isnt easy either.

Best wishes!

Dear Sophie,

I am so sorry that you have to bear witness to see your love go through such a heart-wrenching, life-changing procedure. However, it can also be a life-saving procedure. I am happy to hear about the clear margins. Here's to hoping that the radiation does the rest of the work.

Is there any reason as to why chemotherapy isn't part of his treatment plan as well? As Christine said, we aren't doctors, but most of us have had some combo of surgery and chemoradiation. Sometimes there are reasons against certain treatments. I'm just curious.

I wish for you all of the strength needed to get through each day and to have some time for yourself, when possible. Even if it's a longer shower or reading a few chapters in a book...something for you.

I wish for your spouse to have the best possible outcome and for each day to be less challenging and less painful as he recovers. I wish for him all the strength to endure his treatment plan that may save his life.

Blessings to you both.

Love in OCF,
Kerri

Thank you so much for your caring words. Where do you get such strenght I wonder, I know I will do everything in my power to help others when life is back on track again.