Hello!

I am sorry you are also going through this. My Cancer was on my top gum area, and I also wear an Obtrator. My surgery was in Sept 12, and Radiation ended in Dec 12. Post radiation I developed severe Trismus, and was down to about 4cm opening. I have faithfully stretched my mouth for 90 minutes each day with a Dynasplint. I am now about a 12 cm opening.

I also have had one round of Botox injections at MD Anderson to help with the Trismus. The Botox injections helped, and my opening was about 17-18cm for the first few months following Botox. Just this past week, my mouth is closing again, thus I am back down to 12cm. My next Botox treatment is in July--every three months. I do feel the Botox helped. I feel the Dynasplint has helped (minimally), but I will take anything I can get.

Best Wishes. I am happy to answer any of your questions. I just had a clean PET Scan Friday! My mouth still hurts, and I still feel numbness on my right side of my face, but I count my blessings. I am still working full time, and life is about 90% normal for me. I will be happy to answer any of your questions.

SCC 9/2012 right upper right maxilla
Surgery 9/27/2012 to remove portion of right maxilla
DX-after surgery cancer cells in margin
RAD-33 TX ended 12/05/12
2/13-current-Severe Trismus and Radation Fibrosis
6/13-clear PET
6/13-Infection in radiation area of mouth, with surgery to drain infection
8/13-ended 40 HBOT treatments
11/13-Clear PET
3/14-Botox injections for severe Trismus
5/14-Clear PET/ 11/14-clear PET
Male age 53, non smoker, non drinker