Hi Julie,

I am 10 months post-op and 7 months post IMRT radiation. My neck muscles seem tight most of the time. I also have a restricted mouth opening. I can open to about 30mm. Normal mouth opening according to my dentist is 50mm. I open my mouth as far as I can and hold it for 6 to 10 seconds just to keep what I have. I do this several times per day. Driving down the road if anyone looked it must look odd. Eating is getting easier but I still have trouble swallowing. Have to keep a bottle of water handy to help flush the food down. I tend to eat alot of soft foods and I know I'm lighter than when I was using the feeding tube. I just can't input the amount of calories I was when using the tube. I also had physical theraphy help with the mouth opening. Keep stretching the muscles everyday and it shouldn't get worse.

Dan


Daniel Bogan DX 7/16/03 Right tonsil,SCC T4NOMO. right side neck disection, IMRT Radiation x 33.

Recurrance in June 05 in right tonsil area. Now receiving palliative chemo (Erbitux) starting 3/9/06

Our good friend and loved member of the forum has passed away RIP Dannyboy 7-16-2006