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#200246 07-12-2020 06:38 AM
Joined: Sep 2019
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Becky L Offline OP
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My husband has severe trismus after having 100+ Gys over the last 18 months. It seems to be getting worse and he can no longer fit the mouth stretching device into his mouth (it is an Ora Stretch Press, and seems similar to a Therabite). It’s impacting his ability to eat and speak.

1. Does anyone have suggestions for what to do when the mouth stretching device won’t fit? I think I remember reading something about using tongue depressors, but can’t remember the details on how to use them. Is there anything else that we should consider besides tongue depressors?

2. Have you found a medical professional particularly helpful in addressing trismus? If so, what type?

Thank you!
Becky

Becky L #200253 07-13-2020 10:47 AM
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When my jaw started to tighten up I would massage the sides of my face from the middle of my lower jaw up the side of my face, both sides. I would do it in the shower, as it was warm and I could use my face wash as a lubricant. I would then do it again when putting on my moisturiser. So twice a day. It helped.


F 39 x-smoker no alcohol
05/20/19 T4aN1/N2bM0 SCC a whopper of a tumour at 8cm long & 4cm wide
Pembro pre & post surgery
RIG
Glossectomy ND RFFR 08/13/19
RT x33
2x cispltin
So far, no evidence of disease
Now an author of a recipe book for mouth cancer patients
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i used tongue depressors. I inserted as many depressors (flat side up) as i could between front teeth and held them in place for 30 seconds. Add more depressors over time as muscles loosened. When i started i could only fit 8 tongue depressors- gradually built it up to 26. I would also massage jaw muscles while the depressors held my mouth open.


Preliminary diagnosis of SqCC at base of tongue August 2, 2019.
Biopsy surgery on August 15
Confirmed sqcc from biopsy Aug 20 - hpv type 16
33 radiation treatments ended October 25, 2019.
3 (large dose) cisplatin treatments.
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That’s impressive, from 8 to over 20. It’s important to work on the muscles ASAP if not they will become so hard that you won’t be able to stretch them. Good job, Barry!


Gloria
She stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails... Elizabeth Edwards

Wife to John,dx 10/2012, BOT, HPV+, T3N2MO, RAD 70 gy,Cisplatinx2 , PEG in Dec 6, 2012, dx dvt in both legs after second chemo session, Apr 03/13 NED, July 2013 met to lungs, Phase 1 immunotherapy trial Jan 18/14 to July/14. Taxol/carboplatin July/14. Esophagus re-opened Oct 14. PEG out April 8, 2015. Phase 2 trial of Selinexor April to July 2015. At peace Jan 15, 2016.

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