Bone infection leading to trapezius flap surgery

Posted by clevyjam @clevyjam, Nov 25, 2022

Twice radiated salivary duct cancer. Developed infection in cheek. Deepened to expose mandible. Just had trapezius flap surgery to take tissue from back to cheek. It will be tethered for a month and then if graft works then hopefully healing will take place.
Anyone had experience with this? It’s the ugliest thing I’ve seen but I had little choice.

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 25, 2022

@clevyjam, flap surgery is not fun. I'm sorry that infection led to your needing flap surgery. I'm tagging others like @alpaca @cpaulestep @blondeboss @loli and @kecm who can share their experiences.

@will24 shared his experience in this related discussion too:
- It's difficult to get used to the radial forearm free flap. Tips? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/radial-free-flap/

Clevyjam, I'm sure this will seem like a very long month as you wait to see if the graft will take. Are you able to eat without a feeding tube?

clevyjam | @clevyjam | Nov 25, 2022

In reply to @colleenyoung "@clevyjam, flap surgery is not fun. I'm sorry that infection led to your needing flap surgery...." + (show)

Oh yes for sure. I have about a finger and a half mouth opening but am able to swallow and chew. I just avoid foods that require heavy chewing like steak etc
I’m going to read the link
Thank you so much