Re tooth extraction

Hi QueenB

That's great that the exposed bone is now covered. That should make such a difference.

Good luck with the obturator mould. It does take a few appointments but it should make quite a difference once you are able to use it. I found when I had an obturator that it was very easy to manage.

With the soft palate resection is there going to be a graft taken from your arm to cover the hole? After my last op I had this and it was not painful and healed well over about 6 weeks.

Best wishes for your ongoing recovery;.

Lyn

Hi Lyn 

Thanks your support 

they have mentioned reconstruction op further up the line where they take skin from inner arm 

Not sure when they will be though st this stage 

X

Hi QueenB

I must admit I am a bit confused as normally before the initial op you are given the option of having an obturator that covers the hole in the palate or having a skin graft to cover the hole and then down the track a denture. If an obturator is put in place a later skin graft is not required.

I was given these options and opted for the obturator as I would have teeth straight away instead of having to wait for healing from the graft to occur before I could get dentures. The only reason that I later had the graft was because I had more cancer in my other jaw and when it was removed there was no longer anywhere to attach the obturator so I now have a denture.

When I initially opted for the obturator they took the mould before I had the op and it was put in place during the op. You having the mould taken after the op is a bit different so your op must have taken a different path to mine.

Maybe if you are happy with the obturator another op may not be needed. Discuss with your surgeon and he will be able to tell you all the info you require.

It does take a while to get used to the obturator but once the fit was adjusted over a few appointments  I was very happy with it and got on well. The only drawback I had was that I could only manage very soft and pureed food but that is the same with the denture now so it would not have been any different if I had gone with the graft option.

Sending best wishes

Lyn

Hi Lynn 

they did the mould for the obturator yesterday so they can put it in straight in after the op I am expecting a date for surgery very soon 

my diet is soft foods pretty much anyway which I guess we just get used to 

Appreciate your support 

can I ask have all your cancers been HOV and squamous cell ? 

Hi QueenB

Thanks for the clarification. I am afraid that I do not know your medical history and made an assumption that you had already had an op which was incorrect. Was the exposed bone due to the tooth extraction?

Do you have jaw cancer?

I have had 2 maxillectomies at different times and each time found there was no pain involved and had an uneventful recovery. I had a naso gastric tube each time. The first maxillectomy the naso gastric tube was taken out before I left hospital and the second time it was in for a week after I left hospital and then removed.I was seen by a speech pathologist and dietician before leaving hospital.

I was in intensive care for about 5 days each time. Be prepared as it can get quite boring after you start feeling better. Take in your phone and maybe an Audible ap to help pass the time. I had a temporary tracheotomy each time that was removed before I left ICU. It is a bit daunting not being able to speak but I managed to make myself understood with some sign language. Also wrote the odd word on paper and the second time they had a small whiteboard that I could use. You feel pretty groggy for a few days because of the anaesthetic but this gradually improves. The physio comes around every day to get you out of bed. It is hard work walking initially but it gradually improves. After about 8 weeks I was feeling quite well and getting back to my day to day life.

You will be fine and will get great care from the hospital and your medical team.I also had follow up nursing care for a week after leaving hospital.

My cancers were squamous cell but not because of HPV. My cancers are a result of lichen planus an inflammatory condition I had since my mid 40's.

I am happy to share any other info that might be helpful.

Best wishes

Lyn

x

Hi Lyn

the exposed bone I was referring to was from a tooth extraction but that’s covered now just waiting for the hike to heal over but at least it’s gum and not bone I can see

I’ve not had surgery for my cancer yet that should take place in the next week or so, both of my cancers have been throat cancer the first time was in 2009 left tonsil and lymph node in my neck this time round it’s on my uvula and soft palate which is being removed surgically removed and then the obturator will be placed to cover the gap 

really appreciate your support thankyou 

Hi QueenB

I was just reading your other thread and realised that you had outlined your medical history there. Sorry I missed that.

Must be having a senior's moment oops. Although happy to have a senior's moment as I have had 3 big ops for jaw cancer since my cancer was first diagnosed in 2013. My wonderful surgeon keeps me going and I know yours will too so you can get back to living a happy and full life.

Best wishes

Lyn

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