Hello Forum;

Is there any consensus of opinion whether or not I might return to more normal eating habits ?

Facts: radiation treatments wiped out my salivary glands; radical neck dissection resulted in minimal movement of my lower mandible, and it is difficult for me to use common utensils so I don't. Nor can I do a full and proper cleaning of my teeth with such minimal access. Stretching increased the opening from 13 to 16 millimeters (about 5/8ths of an inch) as measured between the upper and lower front teeth, but that's about all the pain I can handle for now.

I did not lose all sense of taste, but haven't fully explored what remains of my taste buds either.

Although my long term dentist did a lot more work before treatment than what the cancer centre dentist specified, my teeth are now rapidly deteriorating and the prognosis for saving them is bleak. I cannot open my mouth wide enough for my dentist to do the necessary preventive or restorative work. Consequently, I am reluctant to take food orally with no saliva or effective cleaning technique to battle food related bacteria.

I receive 99% of my nutrition via G-Tube, and the other 1% via disolvable sugar-wafer cone. I use medical ice cream as a training aide to help preserve my tongue's licking capability

All kidding aside, I would appreciate any input with respect to what I am likely to experience in the long run, or if there are any helpful tips or suggestions that others have pursued with success. No need to shelter any bad news....

Thanks in advance for your assistance;

JT2