Hi, Sharon-

Congratulations -- you're probably through the hardest weeks (those post-radiation weeks) and moving into better times to come. I, too, had to see my prosthodontist at least twice during those few weeks after radiation because my obturator needed adjustments due to extreme pain. The first time he adjusted it, it didn't really help, so I had to go right back and have him redo it altogether (he removed the entire surface and replaced it with the "soft" plastic stuff that they usually use just post-surgery). That was a hard time for me. Eventually, the pain subsided (I was taking pain meds, too), and now I am pain-free. You are not alone with this post-radiation stuff -- it really was the most painful and difficult time for me, too. Hang in there and know that your pain will subside as you heal.

I will be going in December to have my permanent obturator fitted. In the meantime, the temporary one is doing a decent job, and aside from a yeast infection that set me back some recently, I'm pain-free!

I'm glad you posted; I was wondering how you were doing! Like I said, better times are coming, so hang in there!


Chrissy

Stage 2 SCC upper right palate
Hemi-palatectomy and maxillectomy 5/28/09
Six teeth gone
IMRT x30 starts July 13. Completed 8/26/09
Carboplatin and Taxol x6 starting 7/14/09. Completed 8/25/09.