Hello,

I have been recently DX with minor salivary gland cancer. I will need surgery very soon and require an obdurator post op. Does anyone out there have words of "wisdom" to offer on what this post op period will be like? My doc speaks to an extremely horrid 2 weeks with lots of trouble dealing with pain and swallowing. I appreciate any info and I feel better "armed" with what may be than not knowing.

Hello Plucky

There will be discomfort from the surgery that should be controlled with pain killers. They should fit you with an obturator plate to seal the mouth from the nose to allow normal swallowing and eating. As healing occcurs, the fit of the plate will alter and your prosthodontist can adjust the plate to fit better and after 4-6 months, depending on whether you also need to have radiotherapy, a new plate with teeth could be fitted. Before the surgery, make sure your teeth and gums are in good health by seeing your dentist to get whatever treatment needs done and start learning to brush your teeth well to bring your mouth to a good state of health (see: Oral Care). The teeth will help retain the obturator plate. Your doctor will be able to tell you if you will lose any teeth and the size of the defect.

The following sories on the Mouth Cancer website may be helpful: THD's story and SW's story. They should help you stay positive.

We are here to help.

Best wishes
Vinod

Thank you for your message and the stories to read. I am glad to know that you are all there. It is a great comfort.

Plucky