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#192748 07-18-2016 04:34 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 346
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 346
Hello, I am back to the site after many years...I am doing well after jaw reconstruction. I am 9 1/2 years out now and saying prayers. My ENT recently left for another institution and I have a new ENT. Very likeable and knowledgeable. He suggested that I have pectoral denervation because my pectoral muscle is so large under my chin (and very uncomfortable). He said this is normally done during the surgery, but for some reason, mine was not severed. This will cause muscle atrophy which will lesson the swelling inside and outside of my mouth. Simple outpatient with no anesthesia - just a local. After several years, I am going to do it. Just wondered if anyone had any experience. I am nervous it may do harm to my flap, although he has assured me it will not...


Partial mandibulectomy and neck dissection 2/3/07. T2NOMO.
Had 14 hour operation which included reconstruction of jaw.
Reconstruction failed. Some radiation, no chemo.
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 10,507
Likes: 6
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Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
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Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)

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Welcome back smile

Since you have had radiation, any surgery afterward could have healing issues which can cause even bigger issues. Proceed with caution! I suggest finding a top notch ENT for a second opinion before undergoing any surgery like this.

Please keep us posted on how you make out. Best wishes!!!!


Christine
SCC 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 smile
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 346
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 346
Thanks Christine,

I only had 3 doses of radiation due to my throat closing. I have had some other minor things done with no issues. I had not thought about it, but I don't think it will be an issue. I will certainly check into it now.

Thanks!


Partial mandibulectomy and neck dissection 2/3/07. T2NOMO.
Had 14 hour operation which included reconstruction of jaw.
Reconstruction failed. Some radiation, no chemo.
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 346
Platinum Member (300+ posts)
OP Offline
Platinum Member (300+ posts)

Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 346
Checked with surgeon and radiation will not be a problem. I have had some dental work also with no problems. My only concern is how it may effect my flap. Wishing someone had some experience in this area. Apparently, the muscles are usually severed during intial surgery, however I had a failed flalp and had to have emergency surgery...almost did not make it. I am sure they wanted to give me every chance at the time, which should make it ok now to do it. Just checking to see if anyone had any knowledge in that area...


Partial mandibulectomy and neck dissection 2/3/07. T2NOMO.
Had 14 hour operation which included reconstruction of jaw.
Reconstruction failed. Some radiation, no chemo.
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 346
Platinum Member (300+ posts)
OP Offline
Platinum Member (300+ posts)

Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 346
Hello, Just to update, I had the procedure and all is well! My swelling has gone down on my cheek by leaps and bounds. I can turn my head and feel a little better about the way I look too. Had a follow up visit today, and all looked well. He said the swelling will continue to abate as the muscle continues to atrophy.

Just wanted to let anyone know who may have this issue. It will probably be one in a million, but here are my experiences to help!

Thanks to all


Partial mandibulectomy and neck dissection 2/3/07. T2NOMO.
Had 14 hour operation which included reconstruction of jaw.
Reconstruction failed. Some radiation, no chemo.
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,267
Likes: 1
Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
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Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)

Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,267
Likes: 1
Thanks for the update, and the sound advise given by Christine. I'm sure it will help those in a similar situation.


10/09 T1N2bM0 Tonsil
11/09 Taxo Cisp 5-FU, 6 Months Hosp
01/11 35 IMRT 70Gy 7 Wks
06/11 30 HBO
08/11 RND PNI
06/12 SND PNI LVI
08/12 RND Pec Flap IORT 12 Gy
10/12 25 IMRT 50Gy 6 Wks Taxo Erbitux
10/13 SND
10/13 TBO/Angiograph
10/13 RND Carotid Remove IORT 10Gy PNI
12/13 25 Protons 50Gy 6 Wks Carbo
11/14 All Teeth Extract 30 HBO
03/15 Sequestromy Buccal Flap ORN
09/16 Mandibulectomy Fib Flap Sternotomy
04/17 Regraft hypergranulation Donor Site
06/17 Heart Attack Stent
02/19 Finally Cancer Free Took 10 yrs






Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 85
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Supporting Member (50+ posts)

Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 85
Such great news that your procedure went so well ! Thanks for the update and please do stop in anytime !


Sept 2002 Rt breast cancer no chemo or radiation.
March 2015 Rt tonsil cancer - walnut size lump rt side neck.
March 2015 Scan, biopsy confirm
March 2015 Port, G tube placed, 10 teeth removed.
July 2015 completed 5 chemo/35 radiations
Sept 2015 Cat Scan all clear
July 2016 G tube, port still in place
Ive had Thyroid "graves disease" and Lupus for many years.
4 kidney stone surgeries past 3 mo with over 100 stones still there !

*** Update... Jo passed away 12/20/17 ... RIP Jo ***


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