Dealing with a lot of jaw pain and trismus. ENT suggested the tongue blade treatment. Decided to try my own. Went on eBay, and purchased a Molt Mouth Gag ($15)....an instrument for opening the mouth during surgery. Works well to stretch my oral opening. Much less expensive than a Therabite or Orastretch, since I'm now unemployeed and COBRA-ing my medical insurance.

Sold my sister's house in California. I'm using the money to remodel my kitchen...something my mom always wanted me to do. Wish she was here to see it...It looks wonderful! I know she sees it, but I wish I could experience it with her.

Had my total knee replacement done on Monday. Wow...I certainly underestimated how painful that would be!!!! This has been a heck of a whirlwind year and a half or so. Sister's suicide, Mom's inoperable cancer diagnosis, my cancer diagnosis, mom's chemo/rad, my radical neck dissection, chemo/rad, Mom's metastisis, Mom passing away, Dad's emergency surgery 2 weeks later, Mom's sister dying of ovarian cancer, me losing my job the next day and now knee surgery!

I've been concerned about thickness and pain in my tongue, where the original tumor was removed. My surgeon doesn't seem worried, but with his less than proactive suggestions for the trismus, I think I will ask for a referral to Univ of Michigan, as soon as my knee is rehabbed enough for me to get around. Pretty sure I'm not interested in another go-round with chemo/rad (once really was enough), but would like to know what, if anything is going on, and if there is a way to control the pain (botox injection in the masseter, or the pentoxyfillene/vitamin E for the radiation fibrosis.) I sort of feel like I'm dropping through the cracks. I need to start pushing a little, and see what else is available.

I'm so sorry for all that you and your family have been through.

Well you've had a bitch of a year! But you're here for a reason... I'm thinking that's your dad... Definitely change drs. If you feel the need. The knee thng can be very painful and it's a longish recovery! Hugs to you you're insanely strong to go through all you have and come out the other side sane..

You have been dealt an awful hand this year. To have knee replacement on top of everything else...yikes! But, as Cheryl says, you are one wicked strong person. Sending hugs and strong healing vibes.

Sounds like you are taking some positive steps towards getting on with your life. You've been through such a tough time with everything that's happened. Good for you for the deal you got on eBay! Also, remodeling a kitchen can really be a great positive in one's life. (I did it almost a year ago and am still finishing up with it!) If you still have concerns re your surgeon's reaction to the trismus, your thoughts on asking for a referral to Univ of Michigan sounds like a good idea and can get your questions or concerns answered especially regarding ways to control pain (w/ botox, Vit. E, etc). Absolutely you should Not allow anyone to make you feel like you are dropping through the cracks. "Pushing a little" is in order. Do it! And let us know what happens.