Hello,

I haven't had time to get back into these forums until now. My name is Sheila and I had surgery last month. I had a partial palatectomy and neck dissection (3 nodes removed).

I will be starting radiation this week and am concerned about how this will affect the funtionality of my obturator.

I was wondering if anyone has experienced radiation with an obturator. How will I handle the obturator if my mouth gets sore after radiation? Will this be an everyday problem?
Does anyone know of pain medications that are recommended to ease the side effects of radiation?

Hi, Sheila -

My own experience with this was actually pretty positive. I, too, had a partial palatectomy and wear an obturator. I really didn't encounter any problems with inserting or taking out the obturator during my radiation treatment, even with mouth sores. The sores were really not in the area where the obturator sat, so they didn't get in the way. I dealt with the sores with medication (percocet) and with a topical gel that I could apply when needed (I forget the name...Lidocaine, maybe?).

So, I think you should be okay with the obturator and radiation. Does your obturator fit well now? is it easy to put in and take out? Where is your radiation being directed, primarily? (I assume the palate...) Just be prepared with lots of smoothie recipes and Boost or Ensure or Carnation Instant Breakfast VHC so that you can drink your nutrition if your sores get bad. I still have a smoothie daily; my comfort food!

Feel free to write back with any questions at all -- there are several of us now on here who have obturators and we're happy to answer any questions you might have!

Good luck with your radiation; I'll be thinking about you in the weeks to come.

Sheila,

I was able to wear the obturator throughout my radiation. I did have a lot of pain and was given a prescription for a "magic mouth wash", it was actually a thick gel that would numb my mouth and give me a little relief, but it didn't last too long. I found the worse pain was putting the obturator in in the morning. Once it was in, the pain would subside some. Milkshakes became my mainstay, they felt wonderful. I had to avoid anything with tomatoe or citrus or it would burn! Just remember you will make it and we are here pulling for you!

Sharon