I seem to be in the boat with Gabe. I had a partial mandibulectomy
with a reconstruction of the bone, but it failed and they took
the fake jawbone out. I too have teeth on the top that have nothin
on the bottom because of the flap. I had a bad case of biting my
cheek but a dentist has now given me a mouthquard that helps somewhat. I think I look awful, but am OK with it as long as I get
to live. My husband says that I don't look that bad. I think my
new dentist summed it up when she said the inside of my mouth must
feel so bad and different- that that is how I perceive myself on the outside. She also said I did not look bad, just a scar.
BIG one though and also neck disection and trach.
It will just become the new normal for you. I am trying to live
with it for now.
Gabe, did you have reconstruction?
Take care,
Debbie

Just replied to your PM before I saw this post. As you can see I did not even realise about the marginal mandibulectomy till I saw my own signature again.
I got this information from either the Dr�s or Pathology reports - I have copies.
No reconstruction if I understand the question and can you or someone let me know the difference between marginal and partial.
From what I remember being told at the time a small amount of jaw bone was taken to be ground down and tested for cancer during the surgery.
Cheers
Gabriele

Debbie, the only one who counts about the way you look is your Hubby! The rest are just dogs barking in the night.

Pete,
You are so sweet with your comment. I am just thankful to be
here on this earth today. That is how I deal with it. The worst
part about this is that none of us have had the same thing exactly
happen to us. There are so many variations of the same operation
that none of us seem to know what lies ahead. At least I don't.
But I am proud of today and of this site and meeting good people
like you!
Thanks so much! You're the best
Debbie

In the words of Pete:
Bark....BARRRRKKKK!!

Howling at the moon for you Debbie.

(I kill myself ...I really do...Sorry folks)

Told you that you would get some good replys
Talk soon..Gabriele

Everyone has been very helpful with this. I like the way Dr Mike put it - I have the same options as others. I had not thught of it that way. I also appreciate the post about people who know me as myself mattering, to heck with the rest of them.

I don't know what I will do when the time comes. I am a manager at a retail store. A lot of public contact. At this time I'm not sure if I will be able to speak well enough to return to my job or not. I'm trying not to worry about it until January. I will search the older posts - I probably should get in the habit of doing that first anyway. Thanks to all - and the barking made me laugh!