Good1

Sorry to hear of your recurrence.

Unfortunately I have had 2 tongue flaps, the first performed when the tumour was removed and the 2nd reconstruction was required because I ended up with mandible Osteoneocrosis, so they had to re-do the tongue flap because the rads had done irrepairable damage.

Thank goodness this is not a common occurance and in my case was probably due to my teeth near where the jaw split was done, but that is a whole new story....

I was surprised that over time my speech improved quite a bit after my rads - and people who I spoke with (who are very honest with me) would notice the difference. I have had to adjust again to a totally different mouth structure following the 2nd flap. It certainly takes time to become accustomed to the changes but surprisingly enough it does happen. Alot of patience is needed that is for sure, because it is a long slow process!!

The majority of my current tongue flap is 'stuck down' from all of the front right down one side so obviously I have very restricted mobility. Even though the front tip of the tongue helps to make the majority of sounds I am still able to speak (certainly not as clearly as before the OC) and only seem to sound really muffled if I speak too quickly (quickly being the old normal) Therefore with alot of words I have to say them slower and they do come out alot clearer.

Hopefully in the near future I will be starting the process of getting bottom teeth implants and my tongue flap will have to be thinned out at the front to allow the fitting of the implants, following that my mouth will take on a totally different structure again, therefore I will have to basically start all over again.

It is amazing how we compensate when we have to.

No bull dust, it is very difficult and sometimes very depressing and upsetting but I just keep plodding along, clawing my way back step by step unfortunately with some unforseen setbacks but nevertheless we do keep trying. It will be well worth it that is for sure to be able to eat something substantial again and be able to go to my favorite restaurants ....

If you have any questions that you think I may be able to help with please do not hesitate to send me a PM - personal message.

Karen