Hello, old friends -

I am a returning member of the forum - have been cancer-free for 16 years but have a new question:

Does anyone have experience getting reconstruction many years after cancer treatment? I had a successful palatectomy/maxillectomy (and radiation and chemo) in 2009 and have been wearing an obturator since then. Though I was pretty happy with it for the first few years, it has recently been problematic - my swallowing muscles are compromised because of it and I struggle to swallow almost all solid food. I'm eating, but it's no fun!

Because of the swallowing difficulty and also chewing problems, I am considering having reconstruction (fibula, etc?) of my upper maxilla and half of my palate, as well as several teeth. I am working with a terrific prosthodontist who is going to make me a new obturator, but I'm seriously considering doing the reconstructive surgery if it's going to make my life a whole lot better! Does anyone here have experience with this kind of reconstruction many years after their original surgery/cancer treatment? Is it crazy for me to consider [/i]another[i]major oral surgery just to get better swallowing/chewing/speaking?

Please, if anyone has experience with this, let me know how it went for you. You can also PM me if you prefer.

Thank you!
Chrissy