I'm new here, just found this forum. My husband has an obdurator and I remember when then first told us that he would need a prosthetic device - it terrified us. Then we saw samples and realized how benign it actually was (amazing what the mind can create as its own reality).

To see more visit our website, http://www.hncancer.com and follow the links to Our Journey. I have pictures of his prosthetic device. He had his soft palate removed, his tumor was on the uvula. He also had part of his left tonsil removed and a comprehensive left radical neck dissection followed by radiation.

He couldn't talk initially after his surgery due to the trach but once they removed that pushed him a bit, he found he could talk but sounded like someone with a cleft palate (which in effect is what he now has).

He got his temporary device first, they needed the swelling to go down to be assured of a good fit before fitting him with his permanent device. He is now almost 2.5 yrs out from surgery and hasn't had to have any adjustments made.

Yes, without it he will reflux fluids up his nose. He has discovered that my holding his nose and being very careful he can sometimes at least take a swig of water without it. Initially, while waiting for the first device he found using a straw helped as it enabled him to keep his head pointed downward.

He does have some false teeth with his but it sounds like the difference is you losing part of the hard palate and that affecting your eating. That said, Mike had radiation and that in itself has impacted his eating. He still uses Boost as his main source nutrition supplemented by cereal, oatmeal and other breakfast foods.

Feel free to email us with any questions, we're glad to help!