#94870 05-03-2009 05:39 PM | Joined: May 2009 Posts: 1 Member | OP  Member
Joined: May 2009 Posts: 1 | Hello,
I'm so grateful to have stumbled across this forum. I'm amazed at the stories of courage under tough circumstances. I was beginning to feel sorry for myself and then I found that I'm not alone in this experience.
Every time I saw my surgical onc, I literally passed out. They had to lay me down so that the blood would rush back into my brain. Talk about terror. Now we can laugh about it.
I'm doing well and feel that I've been very fortunate. My question is about what to expect as far as eating and chewing goes.
A month post op and I'm still swollen and really sore, especially around the teeth and gums. My doc said I'd be able to chew by now but I'm still limping along. Anyone have any thoughts on this?
Thank you!
Christine
DX, age 46, 03/12/09, Stage 2, low gr. MEC of minor salivary gland. 04/06/09 biopsy BOT, floor of mouth, gingiva, pharynx, tonsil. Rt. side neck radical resection, 30 lymph nodes and submandibular sal. gland removed. No rad/chemo. Cancer free 04/06/2009. Dentist told me it was "nothing" in 2006.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | The other Christine and myself have no teeth to eat with. They tok mine Jan 17 2008 and took Christines the 3rd of March t his year. I guess neither one of us could be the one to answqer your questions. Good luck and the best to ya.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: May 2008 Posts: 357 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: May 2008 Posts: 357 | Hi, Christine -
My marginal mendiblectomy was less severe than your surgery. My recovery was uneventful, but one month out, I wasn't able to open my mouth as wide as before. My ENT told me it could have been worse. And two months out, I had to think, "Is this really worth chewing?" Still do. I don't have swallowing problems, as long as I cut my food in small pieces. I don't do steak or nuts, & chicken can be tough. I don't do sandwiches well. It's a minor price I'm glad to pay.
Hang in there!
Marlene
Marginal mandibulectomy 6/17/08 resulted in DX of Stage I SCC - gingiva (3 mm) right mandible, buccal side. Clear margins. Occasional social drinker. Smoked last cigarette in 1979. Clear pet: 12/08; 7/20/09. Yay!
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 4 Member | | Member
Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 4 | Hi Christine,
I had IMRT radiation and a radical right next dissection. It's been over 5 years, but all the stuff that your worried about gradually got better. Eating is back to normal, salviary and taste. Even if they don't, there are ways around it. Hang in there and figure out what your next adventure will be, you got a good one coming - Dave
2002 diagnosed w/Squamous Cell carcinoma in the lymph, lumpectomy, right neck dissection and IMRT radiation. 5 year cancer free
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,301 "OCF Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | "OCF Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,301 | Hi and welcome Christine,
As you are only one month out I am surprised your doctor told you that you should be able to chew by now!
I found it hard to get anyone to give me any time frame and got the �how long is a piece of string� when I asked.
Patience is not one of my virtues but I needed lot�s because I thought I would be eating, healing and back at work in no time�wrong� I was on pureed food for quite a while before I could attempt to chew on say something soft like fish.
It does take time and as you will often hear everyone is different.
You have found the best site to ask questions so ask as many as you like.
Gabriele
History Leukoplakia bx 8/2006 SCC floor mouth T3N0M0- Verrucous Carcinoma.
14 hour 0p SCC-Right ND/excision/marginal mandibulectomy 9/2006, 4 teeth removed, flap from wrist, trach-ng 6 days- no chemo/rad.
6 ops and debulking (flap/tongue join) + bx's 2006-2012.
bx Jan 2012 Hyperkeratosis-Epithelial Dysplasia
24cm GIST tumour removed 8/2013. Indefinite Oral Chemo.
1/31/16 passed away peacefully surrounded by family
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | How could your Dr possibly tel you that? I have never been told how long for anything and just know my own limits and how far I can force myself to go. LOL Which really is no different than a bird trying to pick a hole in a 2 ft thick concrete wall. It all takes TIME no matter what.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
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