Hi Emily,
So glad you came through the surgery well. Take it easy and recover well as the radiation ahead will be a challenge. It sounds like they did not give you an obturator with teeth? I don't know what kind of insurance you have, but once we proved to the insurance company that this prothesis was not cosmetic but a necessity, they payed for the temporary and then the final. They will usually cover one every five years, but in my case, I kept having recurrences with more of my jaw and teeth removed so they had to make new ones every couple of years. The whole process takes about a year because your mouth will continue to change during and after radiation. Check with your insurance, but I can't imagine you having to go months without teeth! I am a big fan of something called Scandi shakes that my radiation oncologist recommended when I couldn't stomach the ensure and boost shakes. You can get them on Amazon and you just mix them with milk so they taste like a milkshake. I also purchased a Vitamix which I still use almost daily to make smoothies so I can get enough protein (made with protein powder). Feel free to message me anytime with questions. We will be out of the country in July-August, but I am happy to help when I can. My best to you as you navigate this new journey.
Love,
Karen