After surgery (ablation of the palate and half my upper jaw)in June 2006, and 7 weeks irradiation in August-Sept 2006, my left upper teeth are now moving around so much that I can hardly use them and chew without taking an aspirin before meals. My plastic palate and jaw never allow me to chew, and I'm waitng for a new prothesis. I still have from time to time oedemas which oblige me to use antibiotics.
Anyway, I saw 2 specialists for advice, and had 2 answers: the first, I should wait until my teeth fall out, which may take years, and eat soup and mince food; it's the best way to avoid oedema and mouth infections. The other opinion is that it is urgent to take the unstable teeth out if I want to stop both mouth infections and loss of bone. This specialist would keep only one tooth, and change my prothesis for a bigger one, and then proposing in a second period of time a heavy surgery (graft of bone from my arm, etc.). If I choose to follow this second advice, I would have to stay without a prothesis during an entire month, time for my gum to heal.Meaning also that I won't be able to talk and be understood during that period.
Between pest and cholera, what would you choose? Your experience may help me.

Vincent, i have no knowledge or experience on what you have been through or are going through. the only comment i wanted to make is don't be worried about not being able to talk. i have been thru several periods of non-talking and i rely on a composition notebook which i would carry with me at all times. i would also carry 3 x 5 cards in my shirt pocket which i would write my note and pass to someone without being so obvious. for my recent hospital stay i bought a mini-notebook computer, 10 inch screen which was also very effective. you will also be surprised to find out how many facilities are hot wired that you can tap into.

after what you have already been through, a period of non talk will be like a cake walk.

i would also want to talk with my radiation doc.

good luck & i hope you hear from someone with the voice of expereince.

pete