Should I have jaw reconstruction surgery for base of tongue cancer?

So sorry you are going through this. I can only speak for the tracheostomy part. Radiation basically destroyed my throat so my trach is permanent. It makes people stare, of course. There are so-called covers for them but they either don't cover or they screw up my breathing. There's a cleaning process every morning that takes about 15 minutes and a shorter one every night. There are TONS of monthly supplies to keep you breathing. But I can breathe. I can tell my children I love them (in my ugly throat-voice). All in all, it's just a thing. You get used to it. So don't let the trach weigh too heavily in your considerations. All the best!

Facing a choice about jaw reconstruction for base of tongue cancer is a lot to carry, and asking others who have been through something similar is a thoughtful step. Whether to have this surgery is a very personal decision that only you and your medical team can make, since they know your full scan results and health history. Many people find it helpful to ask the surgeon about expected recovery, risks, and quality of life, and to get a second opinion from another head and neck cancer center. Writing your questions down before appointments and bringing a loved one along can also help. Members of the Oral Cancer community who have had jaw or tongue reconstruction may share their experiences here, and you are welcome to check back for replies.

Wow. Hang in there. I had throat cancer I Beat it only to find I had met

It seem early but the response is helpful but only addresses one part or one procedure and my situation is more involved and since I’m in my early 70s is this worth it or not to have all this work done or just let nature take its course and die with a shred of pride.

Oh, Derick, I am so very sorry you're going through this.

I REFUSED Radiation.And Chemo...2 weeks later Amazingly (WHAT A COINCIDENCE) They Suggested Keytruda..After my 17th Treatment..WITH VERY LITTLE SIDE AFFECTS. Im NED. What makes me angry is They push the worst on pepole...to stabilize the cancer. BUT give pepole horrible permanent SIDE affect and physical Issues .but celebrate they somehow improve your Quality of Life...🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄😡😡😡😡

This is the problem for me with 3rd round of chemo and Keytruda the tumor has not gotten bigger but I’m told there is metabolic activity. I know this cancer will kill me at some point. The worst part for me is I don’t feel bad cancer wise, no pain, just some discomfort. 2.5 years ago I was in very good shape worked physically everyday now I look 20 years older hard to talk due the the damage from radiation and my jaw but the lack of energy is daunting I push myself to walk the dog some activity not far about 1/2 mile on what was steep road but that’s about all I have far from what I could do. And my oncologist just says it’s the chemo no help to fix this. If it wasn’t for that I would be ok with this. Sounds like all I want to do is bitch but that’s just how it is for me.

Derrick, I feel you. My house went to crap while I was on chemo, immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Was taken off them in July and I have gotten so, so much done! But... it's back to the meds now, it seems, due to new activity. Please, PLEASE be kind to yourself. It is so hard for us to do that sometimes. Just try to give yourself the kindness and grace you would give a loved one going through half of what you are going through.

Thanks Dora I thought I was being kind to myself l guess my issue is I expect 10% of what I was at a minimum. After my radiation and first chemo I was in bad shape any distance was a wheelchair ride I asked my ENT why getting the leash of the hook was about all I could do without getting light headed and he told me the treatment is like being bedridden every day of treatment is close to equal of 1 week recovery that kind of explains things but I still struggle to walk the dog fog exercise my Drs say I need. And the worst part is no one explains this before they do it to you. That’s why I asked if anyone has had the procedure for the lower jaw or tung removal. The surgeon says I Kant have the jaw surgery if I’m on chemo as the cancer will run wild so having my tung removed is the only alternative. My ent Dr told me in the beginning if he removed my tung he would be turning me into a human pez dispenser , i told him hard no and that has not changed. So since the. Medical end doesn’t give best - worst case info i hope there is someone on this sight that will so i can make an informed decision.

How difficult that must be for you, Derick. I have had some of that same experience with doctors not telling you what you need to know, when you need to know it, but not nearly to the extent you have. It is so hard trying to fight cancer, especially having to make those big decisions. You are in my thoughts, my friend.