My mom is going in for surgery on March 2. This will be her 5th surgery and she's having her lower jaw removed and rebuilt with the fibula they are also doing a flip on the right side where they flip up the skin and reconstruct. I'm terrifed for her and I dont know what to expect. I'm scared to see what she's going to look like. I just worry that after all she's been through that we will lose her to this horrible disease.

She hasn't been able to eat she's on a feeding tube.

I have nightmares and don't really sleep anymore.

Thanks for listening

Lori

We will always listen, that's what we came here for and that's why we stay. It's OK to worry, I pray your Mom will come through this surgery fine and have a speedy recovery. She is a warrior after 5 surgeries, try to stay positive and come here anytime you need someone to listen.

Tim

Lori, your Mom will come through this the same way she has the other surgeries; just fine. I had the same surgery last summer, and if I don't tell people, they simply don't notice it.

Todays surgeons are truly amazing. The work that they do boggles the mind. I woke up able to talk, and drink liquids, after having nearly half of my jaw removed and rebuilt. Have faith, talk to your own Doctor...get something for the anxiety. You shouldn't have to suffer from that while you're trying to help your Mom get through. Take care of yourself too, and stop back.

We really want to know how your Mom AND you are making out
Wayne

Thank you both for writing and for your support. it really helps to talk to people who've been through the same thing.

Wayne, did you have radiation before your surgery? My mom had it at 2 different times and the Drs. think this could be a problem because everything on both side is dead the reason she's having the surgery is a side effect of the radiation her jaw bone has fractured on both sides and she's in excruciating pain now.

Thanks again for lisening and giving me insight. I'm sure I will be writing more befor the surgery

Lori

My radiation was post surgery. In my case, the cancer had invaded the jawbone, and that necessitated the 40% removal.

I know that radiation does compromise the bone health, occasionally to the point of bone death.

By removing the compromised bone and replacing it with fibula, she should have a viable, healthy jaw again, probably as strong or stronger that it was before. Stronger because they will likely reinforce the jaw with a titanium plate during surgery.

This is done to ensure that the allignment is maintained; after surgery her mouth will open and close properly. Hopefully she'll be able to get rid of the PEG tube afterwards
Wayne

Well tomorrow is the day for the surgery and of course I'm still freaking out. I can't get the bad thoughts out of my head. Living everyday in a daze.

Thanks again for listening. I will come back next week and let you know how she made out.

God bless
Lori

Annie,

WE can all imagine what you are dealing with but what you are putting yourself through is not doing anyone any good. I know it's easier said than done but try to think positive thoughts. Try to get it off your mind. Maybe a movie or a sports activity or your favorite pastime.

My thoughts are with you.

Annie - I am sending very positive thoughts your way. You said today was the day of your Mom's surgery and I remember how it was for me on the day my son had his surgery. It helps to have other people with you to talk to. What helped me was to keep moving, even if it is just getting up and walking around a little bit. And having something to do besides looking at all the magazines in the waiting area (you run out of those pretty fast). You need to do things for yourself so that you can be strong for your Mom. And write down any questions you have for the doctor when he talks to you after the surgery. Let us know how you both are doing.

Annie, thinking of you and your Mom, and just wanted to remind you, even if she comes out with bandages all over her face so you can't see her, she is still the same old Mom underneath it all. Just love her like you do now, and that's all she'll ever need!

Andrea

Hi
1st of all I want to thank everyone for their support, prayers and thoughts it really does help having all of you here to talk to.

Mom made it through the surgery it was 12 1/2 hours (an hour and a half less then expected) The doctor's are very please with the way things turned out. They didnt have to do the pec flap they were able to use the flap from her leg. So we are all so happy about that. She is still under close watch with the vascular part of the surgery but the swelling has gone down and she's starting look like her old self a little bit. She's smiling and trying to laugh.

The doctors don't think she'll be able to eat again and that she'll be using the PEG from now on
but I'm hoping she's going to prove them wrong.

Tomorrow they take the cast off her leg. She's going to be in the hospital at least 2 weeks but possibly longer. Mom is in the best hospital and getting the best care at Sloan Kettering NYC

Andrea, You are so right she is still the same mom and I love her madly no matter how she looks.

THANK YOU ALL AGAIN FOR YOUR SUPPORT. It really helped me get through this ordeal. I will still come back and keep everyone posted.

Lots of love and prayers to everyone.
Lori