Hello,

My mother (77) was diagnosed with SCC a couple of months ago likely due to HPV infection, and based on visual inspection, estimated she’d need to take most of her lower jaw in a mandibulectomy. It was originally going to be fibula free flap but apparently they’ll be needing to use her arm instead.

It’s been a difficult process since, first getting her to internalize her diagnosis, and now to get her to follow through with surgery. She just postponed it for the second time, and won’t admit that she’s just scared at what she’ll have to go through. She’s also really deep into alternative healthy and conspiracy theorism, and believes that in putting off her surgery, she can potentailly use her alternative therap(ies) to shrink the tumor.

At this point my family and I are just dismayed and disappointed. We’ve told her the risks of waiting, and how painful not going through with this will be for her, as bad as surgery and recovery will be. I’ve asked her if she’s willing to bet her her life on her alternative beliefs. We’ve convinced her to schedule it back on once, but now, with 5 days to go, she’s changing her mind again.

I’ve had concerns about her QoL following this procedure if she does actually go through with this, not that there’s an option. Between them having to use her arm bone instead, and what I’ve heard from a friend who’s a speech pathologist (who says she doesn’t know she’d elect to have the surgery if it were her), I don’t know what to expect. Will she never be able to chew normally again? Will she ever be able to get dental implants for her bottom teeth? Is a temporary prosthesis an option? I just want a realistic expectation of, assuming things otherwise go well, her chances at a normal ability to speak and chew again (and if so, when).

Anyway, any input or similar experiences would be super appreciated.

Hi SPM,

I just came across your post from May. Did anyone get back to you? I am sad to hear what your Mom is going through (and by default, you). You asked very good questions. Have they staged her cancer yet? If they have said she needs a mandible removed it sounds advanced? I can’t answer any of your questions from a professional standpoint but there are others here who can. Try reposting your original post to the main forum page and you should get a better response. I can tell you that if bone is irradiated they don’t hold implants well (from recent research for myself). Chewing and eating normally will never be the same for most of us, but that will depend on what is done and how she heals.

The only advice I can give you is that it is ultimately your Mom’s choice. She might benefit from seeing a therapist to discuss things with (an outside person might help her see things on a less emotional level). If she doesn’t want the surgery, it can’t be forced. However she should be made aware of exactly what living out her life with her current condition will mean. Know that whatever she chooses is HER choice and not a reflection of your love for her or your effort on her part.

Heather