Hi Everyone!

I am new to this site. On 10/28/03 I just received the devastating news that I have squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). They are calling it a primary alveolar carcinoma because it started on the lingual surface of my mandibular molars on my right hard palate. The cancer infiltrated into my periodontal structures through my bone, and into my right sinus.

Surgery has been presented to me as my best hope. At this point they are not recommending radiation or chemo. They are planning to perform a transoral maxillectomy with split thickness skin graft. They will take skin from my thigh to line the sinus cavity. This surgery will involve losing my entire right maxilla. In essence, I am going to lose all the teeth on the upper right side and will have no hard palate there at all anymore. As such, they told me that I must rely on a prosthetic device
called an obturator to live. I will not be able to speak, eat, or swallow at all without it. (Without it I understand that things will come up through my nose). The device will have dentures on the right side purely for cosmetic reasons. I will only be able to eat on the left side. I am very worried that I will not be able to get used to the prosthesis.

Also, I am a music teacher, and a choir director. I am frightened about the prospect of not being able to sing again. However, the most important thing to me is to survive. But I do have worries about coping with this device in my mouth both night and day.

Does anyone use a device like this that I could talk to? I am having surgery soon and am frightened that I will not be able to live with this device. Being able to connect with someone who has used something similar would be valuable to me. I would be interested in what your experiences are.

Thank you for your help and support,