Hi all

[Solly Mack]

I'm getting ready to have some reconstructive surgery on my jaw. Seems the radiation treatments from my cancer damaged by teeth and jaw beyond simple repair.

The whole process will take 6-8 months and I will probably begin next year, with some preliminary procedures this month.

The reason I am telling you this is that I won't be participating as much in contests and such for a bit. So if I miss a contest, it's because I'm not feeling well.

I will be around until I'm not, but the pain keeps me home a lot these days. I'm sure once the major procedures begin the pain will do more than just keep me home.

I honestly don't know how bad it will be but I'm told there will be "major discomfort', which in my experience is doctor code for excruciating pain.

I'll know more in the days to come. Just wanted y'all to know in case I disappear for a few days...or more.

Love you!

Solly

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Oh my dear Solly Mack...

Please take care of yourself, and that includes really good pain relief!

You will be in all of our thoughts.

[Solly Mack]

3. Thank you, CaliforniaPeggy.

I'm on pain relief now , so...

[elleng]

2. Will be thinking of you, dear Solly, as we always do.

[Solly Mack]

4. Thank you, elleng

I knew it was a possibility early on, and now it is happening.

But I've got really good doctors, so I feel good about it all.

Just nervous.

[elleng]

5. Glad you like your doctors.

My husband, hoping he could have some restorative done, did NOT, imo, have a good 'dental' type. I think he was misled about the prospects. It didn't help his 'recovery.'

[Solly Mack]

7. I've got a really good maxillofacial surgeon

and an equally as good oral surgeon working on me. Hopefully things will be OK.

One did my cancer surgery and the other my initial biopsy.

My scars are barely noticeable on my neck, but I'm not worried about scars so much as repairs to my mouth and jaw.

I want to be pain-free as possible and I haven't been for a while now.

[elleng]

9. Sounds good.

Very sorry you haven't been pain free.

[Solly Mack]

10. On the plus side, I'll get a mini-face lift in the bargain

as they will have to balance everything out. The side they did the surgery on has been somewhat "lifted" but the unequal, though barely noticeable, difference has caused some added pressure and they will have to lift the other side to reduce it.


So, there is an added silver lining

[elleng]

11. That IS good!

Haven't thought of doing such, but given your 'excuse,' Silver Lining indeed!

[Hoyt]

6. Take care. Post when you can. We'll be thinking about you.

[Solly Mack]

8. Thanks, Hoyt

I will be around until forced otherwise. DU helps keep my mind off the pain I already live with now.

Just didn't want anyone wondering about me if I go missing for a bit.

[murielm99]

12. Thanks for letting us know.

The last time you disappeared, I asked around. I may not respond to you much, but I pay attention to your work and your posts.

I hope the surgery goes well and you have a speedy recovery.

[Solly Mack]

13. Thank you, murielm99

I'll let the group know more when I do.

[Mira]

14. OHHHH. NO.

You are so good to tell us, we would wonder. Now we pray and worry with you.
Dearest Solly. Stay strong, that and the love of those who know you is what you've got! And whenever you can and feel like it, check in with progress reports. You did so well with the main course now you'll do well with the aftermath, and when it's done and survived, you can call it dessert.

I wish I knew what to say, really!
My eyes are a little wet at the moment.

I love you, and I suspect I speak for many others as well.

[Solly Mack]

15. Thanks, Mira

Just really giving everyone a head's up. Didn't want to just disappear. I went to the doctor today and got the news on moving forward. Have another appointment soon with the person who will be the case manager - you get assigned a nurse advocate for keeping all your appointments straight. They also push for the care you need and get you any referrals you need.

From there it is a waiting game, though I do have some idea of the time line.

But the pain has gotten to the point that I don't go out as much.

I'll know more next week about what to expect. It's taken weeks to get this far with the treatment plan, so I'm happy it's finally going to happen. I knew this was a possibility, so...

I love you, too!

[Adsos Letter]

16. I'm very sorry to hear this, Solly Mack.

But I'm glad you said something.

I wish you the speediest of recoveries, with the least pain possible. Post when you feel up to it.

[Solly Mack]

17. Thanks, Adsos Letter

Oh, I'll probably post while medicated. I do now.

But I don't think I will feel like posting once the procedures begin.

Hoping the best for you and yours!

[CC]

18. I hope things go better than expected

and hope you are pain free sooner than expected. You can always ask all of us to post photo threads to try to help distract you. Take care of yourself.

[Solly Mack]

19. Thanks, CC.

I enjoyed looking at the photos in the group even when I didn't feel up to responding during my initial treatment. Always gave me a smile.

[mnhtnbb]

20. Oh, Solly, I am so sorry to hear about what you are facing.

Very bad pun intended.

Seriously, glad you said something. Sending you light and love, hoping for the best outcome with the least
amount of pain and the best schedule of painkillers to stay ahead of it (oh, no, another bad pun!) Keep laughing
when you can at whatever you can! And do come check in here when you can. We'll all be thinking of you!

[Solly Mack]

22. Thank you, mnhtnbb :)

I've been putting on a good face about it all, trying not to think about it.



I'll be around until I'm not. Didn't want people to be worried.

[Callalily]

21. Sending you tons and tons

of positive thoughts. May your surgery and recovery be swift and complete!

BIG HUGS!

[Solly Mack]

23. Thank you, Callalily