I was recently diagnosed for the 3rd time with squamous cell oral cancer. The last time was 7 years ago, had part of hard and soft palate removed and have been using an obturator for speech. Now, because it's a recurrance i'm told I need a total maxillectomy with a flap. Right now my jaw is so tight I cannot open my mouth enough to use my obturator so of course speech is hard to understand. I'd like info. on what to expect after surgery, what I can do and cannot do, etc. I haven't yet had a sit down with the surgeon to ask for specifics, that's supposed to occur this week or next.