Before:
Doc called us in the middle of the procedure to say he didn't recommend closing over the tumor residuals. He was afraid that it would grow back fast enough to prevent the good lip/chin tissue from healing. So we took a deep breath, and said okay to removing the front part of the jaw, just behind the lower incisors. Chip has bounced back remarkably fast, this photo is from last Sunday - 4 days post-op
After:
We were never too concerned about cosmetics - he's a goofy looking mutt anyway. That being said, from most angles you'd never know. He was back on soft food one day post-op and functionality is very good. Can't pick things off the floor, might not ever. But personality-wise, he seems pretty much the same great dog - just minus the stinking, infected tumor. Of course, we've traded that for incredible piles of drool - but I like the dog more than I like a clean floor. (BTW, new dark cherry wood floors - big fail)
When he was diagnosed last February (yes, 2012), the curative procedure was to remove most/all of the lower jaw. That made no sense in terms of an uncertain and potentially short survival. I'm really glad we made that decision then. Now it seems the original cancer is not growing and has not spread. So who knows how long - but if it gives him a longer run free of the tumor, then it's a win-win. Tough decisions, we really love this dog, and love him enough to know when not to hang on.