My wife's father(72 and healthy) was just diagnosed with a T4 cancerous tumor in bottom of his mouth and it is in his jawbone and 2 lymph nodes. The surgeon explained to us that the surgery would be to remove the tumor and removing major portion of jaw bone and using a bone out of his leg to replace it. Also that after the surgery he would most likely not be able to swallow for remainder of his life and would need to have a feeding tube. This has all come about since the week before Christmas this past year(3 weeks) This has been very devasting to a man who has never been sick in his life. We have spoken to the surgeon once and will meet with him again tomorrow on 01/09/07. We are not sure what ?'s to ask. I feel the surgeon has been upfront about everything but I have no way of knowing.
Can anyone suggest important ?'s we should ask before the surgery is started. I am concerned and will ask if he will be able to speak. Are there legal legals that we need to care to regarding a feeding tube.
Thank you all, I just found this forum and really need advice.