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Cancer in jaw… what kind of surgery.

Posted by blondeboss @blondeboss, 4 days ago

My husband has had a recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma. He now has it in his jaw bone and nerve. His surgeon has discussed fibula free flap surgery and also the possibility of “swing” jaw surgery. My husband is very concerned about the recover to his leg after using fibula bone for reconstruction. If anyone can give us some real answers, lease help us.

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William Olsen, Volunteer Mentor | @hrhwilliam | 3 days ago

Hi @blondeboss Speaking from experience, the leg recovery issue was my greatest concern as well. It turns out it was a waste of worry credits I will never recover.
While there will be some pain walking for a few months and likely the use of a cane for the first few weeks, generally he won't notice much after six months recovery. Phantom pains I experienced for about two years, short time bursts of unexplainable feelings in the leg and foot. I had occasional cramping in the calf and toes. I had the feeling of a stubbed toe but couldn't say which one.
Now almost five years out I recall that I had this surgery when I am about halfway from the ground jumping off a tractor or horse, and thinking I probably should not be leaping to the ground, especially with this surgery, especially at my age.
I will confess that I have developed plantar fasciitis in that leg's foot and I do walk with a slight hitch in my giddy-up. But aside from that, I am often on my feet and walking up to five miles per day without complaint.
Missing a bone section and to carry on as normal just doesn't sit right in one's head. But it works. It also has an interesting scar which if I were younger I would get a zipper tab tattoo at the top.
The jaw surgery left me with a bit of a pirate smile however the scar is neatly folded into the normal creases of the neck, making it only visible if I tilt my head back to the opposite side. I save that for Halloween.
If you or your husband have any questions concerning this surgery, just ask away. Finally, make sure the surgery team is well versed in this procedure. Ask about their experience and if it is lacking, go somewhere else. Better for the doctor to be disappointed than the patient. It is a tricky and rare procedure.

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blondeboss | @blondeboss | 2 days ago
In reply to @hrhwilliam "Hi @blondeboss Speaking from experience, the leg recovery issue was my greatest concern as well. It..." + (show)
Profile picture for William Olsen, Volunteer Mentor @hrhwilliam

Hi @blondeboss Speaking from experience, the leg recovery issue was my greatest concern as well. It turns out it was a waste of worry credits I will never recover.
While there will be some pain walking for a few months and likely the use of a cane for the first few weeks, generally he won't notice much after six months recovery. Phantom pains I experienced for about two years, short time bursts of unexplainable feelings in the leg and foot. I had occasional cramping in the calf and toes. I had the feeling of a stubbed toe but couldn't say which one.
Now almost five years out I recall that I had this surgery when I am about halfway from the ground jumping off a tractor or horse, and thinking I probably should not be leaping to the ground, especially with this surgery, especially at my age.
I will confess that I have developed plantar fasciitis in that leg's foot and I do walk with a slight hitch in my giddy-up. But aside from that, I am often on my feet and walking up to five miles per day without complaint.
Missing a bone section and to carry on as normal just doesn't sit right in one's head. But it works. It also has an interesting scar which if I were younger I would get a zipper tab tattoo at the top.
The jaw surgery left me with a bit of a pirate smile however the scar is neatly folded into the normal creases of the neck, making it only visible if I tilt my head back to the opposite side. I save that for Halloween.
If you or your husband have any questions concerning this surgery, just ask away. Finally, make sure the surgery team is well versed in this procedure. Ask about their experience and if it is lacking, go somewhere else. Better for the doctor to be disappointed than the patient. It is a tricky and rare procedure.

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Thanks, William. Your message helped. We go to the Huntsman Cancer institute in Salt Lake City. They are well versed in this procedure.

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