Hi everyone,
I'm Wayne, from western Canada. I am approaching a year out from diagnosis, and it's been a challenging year.

I was diagnosed with SCC in my jaw May 1st of last year. This followed the extraction of a sore tooth. I had 17 hours of surgery a month later (June 5th) and lost 40% of my jaw, and the inside of my mouth.

A fibular/titanim trasnplant rebuilt the jaw, and a free flap transplant from my left arm reconstructed the lining of my mouth. I then had 6 weeks of IMRT and so far, everything is coming along.

I have a serious walking issue now because of some problems post surgery with my leg. Lympedema, swallowing issues, pain, stiffness...all of the normal, expected post surgery/radiation difficulties....but, I'm alive and able to complain about them, so it's all good.

I've just recently started down the road of dental implants. I have a close relative who is an oral surgeon, and I am getting etraordinary levels of care and treatmment during this ordeal. I am VERY thankful that I'm as lucky as I am
Wayne

Hi Wayne.
Seems that youv'e been through a difficult time but you seem bright and optomistic about the outcome so I take my hat off to you.
The Rad side effects can take a long time to get used to and the stiffness and discomfort will always be around (albiet in a milder form).I had multiple tooth extaction and manage now with my front rows but it does effect my speech a little as my mouth drys out when i'm talking..........oh what fun.

Keep us informed with your progress with Dental implants. This is something i've considered and may pursue at a later date.

Finally, welcome to this forum my friend. The spiritual home of the walking wounded Mouth & Neck Cancer fighters.

Hi Wayne. I've had simialar treatments but bottled it on the restorative dentistry bit. I had the palate replaced with soft tissue from the side of my head but I've learnt to cope eating on 6 teeth and having a dry mouth so I'm leaving it there, it dont look pretty but neither do I so it fits. I only had the reconstructive done because people were so rude & inconsiderate to me when I tried to talk. Glad you're so positive. Hagg.

Hi Wayne,

I'm also from Canada (Ontario). Just found this forum; it's great.

Keep up the good work Wayne!

What did you do for the swelling issues?

Thanks!
LisaB
________________________________________________
My Dad: SCC BOT and Nodes. Had 35 IMRT 3 Chemos; April - June 2006 Bilateral ND March 2007. Cancer Free!

lisa
sory to be slow in replying. Wasn't paying attention, I guess.

lymphedema is troubling. I have it occasionally, and I really haven't found much that really works well for it. I do take ibuprophen and that helps a small amount, as does exercising my mouth...opening and closing my jaw, etc.
Wayne