Jawbone Replacement due to disintegration of radiated jawbone

Sam44646 said:

Need some words of encouragement

Hi.  I need some words of encouragement.  I'm 54yo male diagnoised with state IV tongue/tonsil cancer back in 02/11.  I had two weeks of chemo and 37 radiation treatments.  Problem I'm have now is with dead bone in my left lower jaw.  Had a debridement done but that led to a fracture of my jaw do to weakness in the bone.  They have schedule me for surgery.  Fabila Free Flap replacement.  The whole idea of this surgery has us all scared half to death.  I need to know things will get better. 

Hi,

My husband had fibula free flap in Baton Rouge.  He had some issues with blood flow initially due to damage from radiation, but is doing wonderfully now. 

wrhbounds said:

burn out

I do not know how far you are from Houston but I fly in & out same day as Dr appointment  but I think Baton Rogue is as close to the east of Houston that they fly. I only drive when I want to and have a hotel room.

As to the FT I know how frustrating it can be and the one thing you don't want to hear it takes time. All infections take time some more than others. I have been going to MdeB for 6 years now and have had many surgeries. Wish I could be more help but from what you have shared best I can do

Bill

Does anyone know of specialist near the eastcoast that will work on retired military? My only insurance I have is through the Veterans hospitals (VA) and my surgeon in Philly won't do my jaw replacement now.

hwt said:

Veteran

First, thanks for your service. I live in the Midwest so no help. You might want to start a new thread/discussion topic for more replies. Good luck

Thanks, My case manager called me today and is looking into somewhere here in PA.

hwt said:

Travel

The actual surgery is so important that I would travel wherever I needed but you'd also have long distance follow-up to deal with. Any chemo/rads (if needed), I say the closer to home the better. 

(jeez, I can't believe I'm communicating with a Steelers fan, LOL)  I'm not quite sure I understand your situation.  Is your doctor refusing because the VA Hospital says no or is it that he does not have operating privileges in the VA Hospital.  I don't know about the size of the VA Hospital in Philly but the one here in downtown Baltimore is very large.  Is the reason that the hospital there can't handle that type operation?

jwilli said:

hi Maryanne,
I found out

hi Maryanne,

I found out yesterday that I need to have my lower right jaw replaced with the tibia from my leg. needless to say, I,m very worried and upset. I too had radiation after having 2/3 of my tongue removd. were you able to walk and if not, how LNG before the pain in your leg went say....any jaw complications?

is this surgery disfiguring? Any help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.   

I had a left mandibular resection in May 1, so am now at home for the long recovery.  As I was told it would be, in the short run the leg pain and stiffness is the biggest problem.  I wait several months until they can start the dental work.  Let's stay in touch, and PM me if you want to.

Mike