Reconstruction

Good evening Laura, im so pleased that you have been offered further surgery to remove the scarring and make your life more bearable. I have had 3 big surgeries with the last two lasting over 13 hours which i know sounds frightening because of the length of time, its just reconstruction surgery involves a lot of intricate surgery especially with a free flap as its all got to be plumbed in ,so to speak. These surgeons are very experienced in reconstructive surgery and will make life a lot easier for you and hopefully allow you to be able to eat properly again and be pain free. I just think that its like when you go to bed and wake up in the morning but of course you will feel a bit groggy because of the anesthetic and the surgery. All of my reconstructive surgery worked out well and i made a full recovery. I wish you all best for your surgery, you can do it x

                                                             Chris x

Thank you so much for replying. Your message has really made a difference. To actually hear from someone who has had reconstructive surgeries. And successful ones. I'm so pleased it all worked for you. I just had such a dreadful time after my second surgery- but I wasn't prepared then. When they say you have cancer, you just want it out and don't really listen to the details do you! This time, I'll make sure I'm prepared for what's going to happen. 

I have a meeting with the anaesthetist Thursday and will go armed with questions.

I'm so grateful to you for taking the time to reply. Thank you

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Hi LauraJane. So sorry to hear what you are going through. When you are in pain things can be unbearable and make you so miserable. Fingers crossed that the surgery will resolve the pain issue and make life much happier for you. I have had 3 big surgeries for jaw cancer and reconstruction of my upper jaw using a titanium bracket so understand your concern about another lengthy surgery. Like Chris says it is just like dropping off to sleep and then waking up again with no time in between. I have found it pays to be proactive when in hospital. Ask questions, get moving and if in pain ask for pain meds. You are more prepared this time after the experience of your first surgery and that makes a huge difference. 

I have significant long term side effects from my surgeries including not being able to chew so needing to eat a pureed diet. However I have found that as I have no pain that is a huge plus and so I am not held back from doing things I want to do. With your pain issue resolved you should be able to get back to enjoying life again although it might be a 'new normal'. 

I've got everything crossed for you that the surgery is a complete success.

Lyn