Hi Everyone
I wish everyone the best while they are going through treatment and afterwards with managing the side effects. You are all so brave. Thanks to this fantastic forum that has helped me so much through my cancer journey especially Dani, Hazel and Chris.
I had an operation in April this yearto reconstruct my upper jaw with a metal prosthesis attached to implants in my cheek bones with a denture then attached to the implants. (Apparently I am the first person in Australia to have this op so I am a bit of a guinea pig. They could not reconstruct my jaw with bone as there was a high chance of failure) I have been without a top jaw or teeth since my last maxillectomy in 2022. I had a previous maxillectomy in 2019 so for a year had no upper jaw or teeth and was totally reliant on eating puree and drinking through a straw.
I had a partial mandibulectomy in 2013 so have no teeth on one side of my lower jaw so eating has been very restricted for some time.
On Friday I had the second version of dentures attached to the implants by my prosthodontist and what a difference they have made already. It was a real marathon as I was in the dentist's chair for 2 hours.The first set of dentures had not changed my eating so I was still eating puree although it improved my appearance by 90%. With the second and improved version I was advised to try eating pasta, rice and eggs. It is like a baby upgrading from puree to solids. It is early days yet but I have been able to manage small amounts of pasta as long as there is plenty of sauce to keep it very moist. My mouth is very dry from radiotherapy so the sauce is a must.
It was an effort and took a bit of time but it is the first time since 2019 that I have managed to eat anything with texture. Hurray. I have to work on it some more but might even be able to go out and eat pasta in a restaurant at some stage. Up until now I have not been able to eat out.
The journey still continues as the prosthodontist says that he will probably be making 2 more versions of the denture over time and thinks that my eating should improve even more.
I did not think that there was ever going to be any improvement in my eating and this has now opened up a whole new world. There are still issues and side effects from my ops and radiotherapy but I can handle those.
To those who are struggling out there hold on. You might think things will never get better but there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Best wishes to you all
Lyn
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I did not think that there was ever going to be any improvement in my eating and this has now opened up a whole new world. There are still issues and side effects from my ops and radiotherapy but I can handle those.
Lyn, you have selflessly shared your journey while still managing to be upbeat and give considerable help to others over the years. You are a true hero. Thank you so much for that update. It brought tears to my eyes and it's an honour to be your friend. HUGS
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
I wrote a blog about my cancer. just click on the link below
https://todaymycoffeetasteslikechristmasincostarica.com
Hi Lyn!
You are purely inspirational. A real testimony of resilience. Your story made me so emotional. Despite what life has thrown at you you remain positive and still take the time to share your experience with us to give everybody hope. Thank you Lyn, you are behond amazing. I am sending you loads of love and wish you all the very best.
