Thanks for the info! I initially had trismus after radiation, but using the stacked tongue depressors technique really helped eliminate the issue quickly. I met with my speech pathologist, and she did not seem too concerned, as long as it is not causing pain. I did learn though that my tongue/swallowing has gotten a bit weak (although luckily I am not aspirating), so she gave me some good exercises to do to try and strengthen my tongue muscles and prevent the leaking. 3 days into my exercises, I've already noticed I have been able to stick out my tongue a bit further, which is exciting.

She also referred me to a prosthodontist to see if I would be a good candidate for a retainer which would basically extend the roof of my mouth to possibly make eating and talking a little easier (as I have some trouble touching my tongue to the roof of my mouth). If this works, I am hoping it could help my jaw issue as well, as it may make it easier to talk/chew without relying as much on my jaw movement. Have any of you tried this yet?

Thanks!


Emily - 24 years old at diagnosis
HPV-, no risk factors
T2N2b Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Left oral tongue, poorly differentiated
Hemiglossectamy, reconstruction, partial neck dissection
30 Radiation treatments, weekly chemo (cisplatin)
1/13/12 last day of treatment
Diagnosed October 2011