Information needed - 07-03-2002 08:21 PM
I read a few of the forum intros and am really impressed with the warmth and support that you all offer. I hope that someone will be able to give me some needed information. I've searched for hours on the internet for useful patient information, to no avail.
My husband is a survivor of maxillary sinus cancer from 1996. He had extensive radiation to shrink the tumor so that they could operate. This was successful and the right side of his face was removed, from eyebrow to (including)palate. There have been several follow-up surgeries due to radiation necrosis, but there was never a reoccurrence of that cancer. He had reconstruction done, using his hip bone among other things.
6 weeks ago, he was diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer of the left side and just had it removed, along with all his left lymph nodes. This time, a free flap reconstruction was done as part of the surgery.
I am hopeful that someone with experience will be able to give us useful information.
1)Oral hygiene: he has asked me to make a mixture of salt water for him to use to rinse the mouth. I'm looking for the ratio, and also whether or not I should add hydrogen peroxide to this. Also, if anyone has useful tips to give on cleaning a mouth that only opens 1 inch, and has muscus so thick that it has to be swabbed out...
2)Lymph nodes: what risks/surprises are in store for us, now that the lymph nodes are gone?
3)Swallow therapy: he says that he will learn eventually on his own and doesn't want an apt with the therapist. Does anyone have experience and advice on this?
Thank you for your help. Hugs and best wishes!
My husband is a survivor of maxillary sinus cancer from 1996. He had extensive radiation to shrink the tumor so that they could operate. This was successful and the right side of his face was removed, from eyebrow to (including)palate. There have been several follow-up surgeries due to radiation necrosis, but there was never a reoccurrence of that cancer. He had reconstruction done, using his hip bone among other things.
6 weeks ago, he was diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer of the left side and just had it removed, along with all his left lymph nodes. This time, a free flap reconstruction was done as part of the surgery.
I am hopeful that someone with experience will be able to give us useful information.
1)Oral hygiene: he has asked me to make a mixture of salt water for him to use to rinse the mouth. I'm looking for the ratio, and also whether or not I should add hydrogen peroxide to this. Also, if anyone has useful tips to give on cleaning a mouth that only opens 1 inch, and has muscus so thick that it has to be swabbed out...
2)Lymph nodes: what risks/surprises are in store for us, now that the lymph nodes are gone?
3)Swallow therapy: he says that he will learn eventually on his own and doesn't want an apt with the therapist. Does anyone have experience and advice on this?
Thank you for your help. Hugs and best wishes!