Hello, Daniel, and welcome to the forum -

Like you, I had palate cancer (mine at age 46, a bit older than you, also of no known origin) that led to a hemi-palatectomy and maxillectomy and an obturator. Yes - the experience of the surgery, that initial obturator and packing, etc. was incredibly difficult and painful! Based on the date of your post, I'm guessing you're now in radiation treatment - hang in there with the mask and all! I had radiation, too (and chemo) to zap the area where my tumor was as well as the nerves leading to the neck. I hope you are tolerating it okay.

Sorry to hear about the beard :-(

If you have any questions about the surgery or radiation (process, side effects, etc.), please feel free to DM me or reply to this message. I'm almost 16 years out from my diagnosis and treatment, and though I can't say I love my obturator, it does allow me to eat, drink, and speak almost as well as before. I'm really glad you found the Forum - it was a lifesaver for me during the first year or two of my treatment and it gave me a sense of connection to people who [/i]got[i] what it's like to go through these sorts of treatments. Hang in there!

Peace-
Chrissy