So... a year will pass next month on the 6th since my father underwent surgery for basal cell carcinoma. It involved removing almost half of the jaw bone and then a skin graft.

The swelling has significantly come down from the outer side. But my father feels that it is not improving from within. He says that the swelling is increasing from within. I did talk to the plastic surgeon who said that "The bulk of the flap is needed to give his face a better shape" and for the swelling on the inside said "That is because the flap does not have any sensation". The doctor gave us a time of 1 and a half years post rad for the swelling to come down completely. The rads were completed mid-February this year.

We do have to go to consult the doctor but my father cannot travel as of now. He is feeling very weak and doesn't eat properly. He also is experiencing severe back and abdominal pain for which we are consulting a doctor in our city. So, to sum up, he cannot travel (the operation took place in a different city).

I want to know about your experiences with the swelling and how long it takes to be normal? Does it feel like the swelling has sometimes increased on the inside or the feeling of stuffiness in the mouth?

Also what exactly is the use of a 'bite guard prosthesis'? Father couldn't get one because the swelling didn't allow to take measurements.

PS: He has no problem in breathing.

I'm sorry Erk, I did not have any of my jaw removed so I'm not able to give you much insight....hopefully another member will be able to help you.

Good Luck!

Susan

Is there any special massage for lymphedema that he can be doing? Even though my surgery was much less invasive, when I went in for speech and OT, they gave me massage techniques for both the scar tissue and the swelling / fluid stoppage. It helps a lot with drainage (who knew our sinuses relied on our necks so much???). It's worth asking.

I"m going to guess my days in orthodontics and dentistry that they are talking about a prosthesis including teeth? Any kind of mouth piece that one would use 24/7 requires precision to construct. I would guess they want to do an impression of his mouth to do that. Not sure, I never made one for an adult/cancer survivor but for teens/adults and newborn babies with clefts

[quote=Magnum]I'm sorry Erk, I did not have any of my jaw removed so I'm not able to give you much insight....hopefully another member will be able to help you.

Good Luck!

Susan[/quote]
No problem! Different people, different experiences
[quote=KristenS]Is there any special massage for lymphedema that he can be doing? Even though my surgery was much less invasive, when I went in for speech and OT, they gave me massage techniques for both the scar tissue and the swelling / fluid stoppage. It helps a lot with drainage (who knew our sinuses relied on our necks so much???). It's worth asking.[/quote]
I will ask the doctor tomorrow itself! She has never mentioned any kind of massage, I will ask her!

Yes, they called it as 'bite guard prosthesis', the one with teeth. The doctor said that it is to better align the jaw and it will not help in biting or speech 🤔