Just a quick update and will have to break things down as a lot has happened. Due to osteoradionecrosis, pathological fracture fistula, caused by radiation damage I had a free flap scapula reconstruction in Oct 2024. The treatment was very tough and infection complications throughout requiring additional surgery.
3 weeks in hospital and got up to 13 weeks recovery and all going well however. Serious delay healing until alarmingly titanium plate came through my face and was fully exposed with neck tissue damage. This was devastating as up to 11 weeks things appeared to be going OK. Had another operation to determine extent of damage and bone, flap had failed.
This takes me to last Tuesday,s operation another free flap scapula reconstruction using my right side. I also have a skin paddle to graft onto the tissue defects on my jaw line. This time no infection, 3 days in intensive care and 4 days on the ward. Now discharged home on NG Tube and next outpatients next thurs. To say the recent surgeries I have had as been a challenge is an underestimation I feel like my body and mind has been through the mill. Started talking more to people and plan to see psychology soon. I thought I would just update and wander if others out there who have had failed surgeries due to osteoradionecrosis radiation damage. I had hoped that the proton therapy I had for tonsil and lymph node cancer would have reduced the risk of osteoradionecrosis but was told I have been unlucky in addition to the recent failed scapula free flap surgery. This second time I hope it has worked but time will tell. Replies, questions welcome please.
Thanks Shaun
Hi Shaun. That sounds awful, I am so sorry to hear about the osteoradionecrosis. I have not had a similar experience but just wanted to let you know that I really feel for you. I do hope that the new free flap surgery goes well and that you can start to put this behind you. Talking to a psychologist sounds like a good idea I'm sure it will help you get your head around your recent challenging experience.
Sending you really positive thoughts and my very best wishes for a good outcome.
Lyn
Sophie66
HinShaun sorry I missed your post yesterday. Oh no I was wondering a few weeks ago how you were getting on. On today posts there’s a guy asking about osteoradiodencrosis I’ll tag yiu on his post if that’s ok.
fingers x for this time
hugs Hazel xxx
Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz
My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now 6 years post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help
2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers
Hi Hazel
Yes it's a very traumatic time with 2 x scapula free flap surgeries plus 2 explorative surgeries within the last 16 weeks or so. I am hoping this time around it's successful. I was so upset that the 1st one failed after 12 weeks. I don't mind been tagged into the guys post.
Thanks
Shaun x
Hi Shaun. Thanks Everything x for you hoping no more issues MacMillan do 6 free counselling sessions in conjunction with Bupa might be worth giving them a call on Monday. Sending hugs
www.macmillan.org.uk/.../macmillan-support-line
Hazel xx
Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz
My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now 6 years post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help
2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers
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