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#157254 11-07-2012 08:49 PM
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2
deoc Offline OP
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Hello, I am new to this. My sister had tonsil cancer a year ago. In April her jaw closed. She has been on a feeding tube since April. She had surgery in September to release the muscles to aid in opening of the jaw. It helped a bit. She has the therabite but is difficult for her to use. She cannot even get a finger in her mouth. Do you know if there are therapists that will work with a patient like this.

I apologize if this has been answered. I did try to search prior to writing. Any information that you can share would be so greatly appreciated.

Thanks,


Diane
deoc #157276 11-08-2012 08:51 AM
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,082
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Deoc

I can relate to your sister's trismus. I am still fighting it five years later. The Therabite does help but at first it was so painful that I had my radiologist prescribe me some Percocet to take to do the exercises.
My speech therapist (SLP) worked with me on the Therabite during our sessions, showing me how to position it and watch me practice. I had to get a prescription from my ENT for the speech therapy and then I called around to find a SLP who was familiar with Therabite.
I hope this helps
Charm


65 yr Old Frack
Stage IV BOT T3N2M0 HPV 16+
2007:72GY IMRT(40) 8 ERBITUX No PEG
2008:CANCER BACK Salvage Surgery
25GY-CyberKnife(5) 3 Carboplatin
Apaghia /G button
2012: CANCER BACK -left tonsilar fossa
40GY-CyberKnife(5) 3 Carboplatin

Passed away 4-29-13
Joined: Nov 2012
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deoc Offline OP
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Thank you so much for responding. You are too kind. Your answer is what I was hoping for. A prescription for a therapist to work with her.

I pray for your continued recovery. Again, thank you.

Diane


Diane
deoc #157329 11-08-2012 09:28 PM
Joined: Jun 2007
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Welcome to OCF! Sorry your sister has trismus. I have it also. Years ago I went to a very good physical therapist who worked with me and I had made some progress. She used warm towels and popsicle sticks. I did not have much luck with the therabite. From what I understand trismus can be scar tissue caused by radiation damage.

please add a signature so we can better assist you. Click on the "My Stuff" tab along the top then on the drop down menu, click on "Edit Profile". Scroll to the bottom and type in the white box and click "submit". A signature helps us to get to know you and your situation and will make it much easier to answer your questions by knowing the history.


Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile

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