Hi, I'm Paul in Atlanta. Am a 7 year survivor of stage 4 Nasalpharangeal cancer. I'm a very grateful man and live a healthy life with my family (though i lost half my soft palate and the ability to swallow). I eat enterally now.

I'm interested in talking with other people who have a soft palate prosthetic device (I do) and those who have a pharageal flap to fix the problem of all or part of a missing soft palate. I'm going to be making some decisions soon and would love some advice.

thank you.

Paul...I am no help to you, since I have a hard palate defect and wear a prosthetic for that. It is totally different, I know, and your problems are more complex than mine. I just wanted you to know that there is "company" out here that understands a little of what you are going through. Luckily, my surgery stopped just short of affecting my soft palate. I will be interested in following the responses to your post. I, too, have some decisions to make soon, concerning whether or not to have reconstructive surgery. I just can't make them now, and I am hoping that time will make some things clearer and will make the decision easier. Good Luck!

Paul...I have no answers, either, but just wanted to encourage you to check the forum often, as I'm sure SOMEONE who can help you will log in and reply soon...This website has been a life raft on the sea of dispair for husband and me! May God bless you and keep you as you contemplate your options!