By FAITH
We have come this far.
CANCER RECOVERY
Page for Cassandra Alexander
lets go
Cassandra !
We are Winning! 100% Removed & Watching for any flare ups
Good
vibes
Surgery & Recovery Information: Cassandra Alexander
No matter how hard it gets.
we haven't finished yet
Hospital Checkin: Monday 4/17/23
Surgery Date: 4/19/23 7am to 3pm
Post Surgery Report: Glory!!!!!
DOCTOR
2017
2018
2019
2021
2022
DR. DAVID KANG
Update on Cassandra's medical condition and the potential surgery she may undergo to treat her Squamous cell carcinoma in the frontal lower cavity. I (Quasar) have consulted with Dr. Kang, and they have proposed a surgical plan for Cassandra. Our goal is to provide you with a clear understanding of the surgery and recovery process so that we can make an informed decision together as a family.
The surgical plan includes the following procedures:
Panendoscopy with Biopsies: A thorough examination of the throat, nose, and mouth, with tissue samples taken for further analysis.
Possible Fibula Free Flap: A technique where bone, skin, and blood vessels may be taken from the leg to reconstruct Cassandra's jaw and chin.
Tracheostomy: Creating an opening in the neck to help with breathing during the recovery process.
Bilateral Neck Dissection: Removal of lymph nodes on both sides of the neck to check for cancer.
Mandible Plate Reconstruction with Bone Graft to Mandible: Rebuilding the jaw using a metal plate and a bone graft.
Mandibulectomy: Removal of part or all of the jawbone due to cancer.
Partial Glossectomy: Removal of part of the tongue.
Complex Vestibuloplasty: A procedure to reshape the gum and mouth tissues to improve function and appearance.
Skin Graft: Covering the wound with skin taken from another part of the body.
The surgery is expected to last for 8 hours, and Dr. Kang will perform it. Following the surgery, Cassandra will need to stay in the hospital for some time to recover. The recovery process will include pain management, wound care, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Kang.
As a family, it is essential to discuss the benefits and risks of this surgery and decide whether we should move forward with it.
Please take the time to consider the information provided and share your thoughts. Your input is invaluable in helping us to make the best decision for our Moms health and well-being.
updated 4/30
"Cassandra has a long and serious recovery schedule; however, she is moving fast and is a Strong Woman!!! These were/ are the complications of surgery.
Benefits | Risks |
1. Removal of cancerous cells and tumor | 1. Infection or complications during surgery |
2. Prevention of cancer spread | 2. Excessive bleeding |
3. Improved quality of life after recovery | 3. Blood clots |
4. Restoration of function (breathing, swallowing, etc.) | 4. Damage to surrounding nerves or tissues |
5. Improved appearance after reconstruction | 5. Difficulty speaking, swallowing or breathing |
6. Reduced pain and discomfort | 6. Anesthesia complications or reactions |
7. Increased chance of long-term survival | 7. Possible need for additional surgeries or treatments |
8. Emotional and psychological benefits | 8. Emotional and psychological challenges during recovery |
Questions asked
before surgery
Questions For Dr. Kang
Dr, Please click below:
- Is targeted therapy a viable option for my mother's specific type of oral cancer, and if so, which targeted therapies might be most effective for her case?
- Would immunotherapy be an appropriate treatment option for my mother? If so, which checkpoint inhibitors could be considered?
- Is robotic-assisted surgery suitable for my mother's oral cancer, and what are the potential advantages and disadvantages compared to traditional surgery?
- Could intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) be a better option for my mother, given the precision and reduced exposure to surrounding healthy tissues?
- Is proton therapy available for my mother's case, and would it offer any advantages over traditional radiation therapy in terms of precision and potential side effects?
- Might photodynamic therapy (PDT) be an effective treatment for our mother's oral cancer, either as a standalone therapy or in combination with other treatments?
- Are there any ongoing clinical trials or research involving nanoparticle-based drug delivery for oral cancer that my mother might be eligible for?
- Can we review the results of my mother's tests taken on Monday to assess her medical progression and determine if the treatments she has been undergoing have been effective?
- Has he (Dr. Kang) explored ALL other potential treatment options for our mother, including new clinical studies, before considering reconstruction surgery as the last resort?
The family voted 80% for Surgery.
- Surgery was done, and cancer removed
- Post Op Appt Friday, May 12th
- Go by to see her, or video call as her voice has not fully returned due to swelling and trachea device, but she is singing and humming gospel songs