OP Senior Member (100+ posts) Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 126 | 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
|