jj, you struck a nerve in me with your post....mostly I'm a "lurker".
I was dx in Feb 2002 and had the floor of my mouth removed, along with a little bit of the under tongue. My plastic surgeon, not knowing that I'd have a problem with implants after the radiation, failed to build a lower gum line....I'm flat as a board down yonder.
My brother is a dentist and after MDA dentist couldn't do anything, he tried the suction cup denture......No luck there.
So here I am without teeth, enjoying my cigs and wine.......just can't wait for the next "smushable" meal.
Good luck to you.
Sandy