How Jaw Reconstruction, Clinical Trials, and Determination Led to Lasting Recovery

Jack’s cancer story began in August 2017, when he noticed a loose tooth just days before a vacation. Initially worried about a simple infection, he soon learned the cause was far more serious: stage IV squamous cell carcinoma in the jaw, which also affected his gums and spread to a nearby lymph node. Recognizing the need for specialized head and neck care, he chose Fox Chase Cancer Center to guide him through a complex treatment plan.

Before surgery, Jack met with a rehabilitation team to learn vital swallowing, neck, and mouth-opening exercises—preparing him for the challenging road ahead. In early October, he underwent a mandibulectomy to remove the cancerous part of his jaw, followed by a reconstructive procedure where a piece of bone and muscle tissue were transferred from his leg to rebuild the jaw and gums. When the initial graft failed, surgeons rushed him back to the operating room, successfully redoing the flap procedure. Though on a feeding tube for two weeks, he was discharged by the end of October 2017.

To address any remaining cancer cells, Jack enrolled in a clinical trial that combined six weeks of daily radiation with the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. While the radiation burned his mouth and diminished his appetite, a robust pain management strategy allowed him to keep his flooring business afloat. Still, he dropped from 185 to 130 pounds during therapy, which led to hospital stays and significant fatigue.

By New Year’s Day 2018, he reached his lowest point, running a high fever. Yet his oncologist’s reassuring words—“In a year, you’re going to be fine”—sustained his spirit. Through perseverance, he gradually returned to fitness, relishing the moment he could finally taste food again. Today, he remains three years cancer-free and marvels at the skill of his surgeons—his reconstructed jaw is virtually undetectable. Grateful for the comprehensive support from Fox Chase, Jack now credits specialized care, clinical trials, and unwavering resolve for transforming a daunting diagnosis into a triumphant outcome.ose.