Just a short message to introduce myself. My name is Julie and I am surviving cancer. My cancer, of a minor salivary gland, was diagnosed in April 1998. In May of that year my Surgeon (the wonderful Professor Avery) removed most of the roof of my mouth, the right hand side of my upper jaw and 4 teeth and I had a skin graft taken from my left arm. I was not a pretty sight.

Enough of that though. This is just to let you know that things do get better. My life is just about normal. The only difference is now is that it takes me longer to clean my teeth (as this now includes cleaning the hole in mouth with little sponge lolly pops and cleaning my obturater).

I am at present in the process of having a new obturater made at the Dental Hospital in Newcastle. This is going to be my all singing, all dancing, titanium rolls royce of obturaters. I will let you know how things are when it is complete, hopefully within the next month, fingers crossed.

Thanks!

Hi Jules

Hope you are keeping well. How are you getting on with your new obturator plate? Keep us informed.

Best wishes
Vinod :coffee:

Hello Jules. Welcome to our site. So please let us know and keep us up on how you are doing. You make it sound as though this was no biggie..You have been thru a lot like the rest of us her have.. You need to talk---we are here, welcome,, Always, Vicki Lynn

Hi all,

Just to update you. I now have my new Obturator, after a few set backs, although it did take a little longer than expected.

Everything is fine, although I do tend to revert back to my old one (little like a comfort blanket I suppose). I find that after prolonged use of the new one I tend to get a little sore spot. I'm to go back for a review in 3 months and will mention it. I can't sleep in it at all (I know this sounds silly as the Doc says I should not be sleeping in it anyway, but I suppose I'm a little vain). As I said to the Doc, """What if there is a fire. How would I call for help."""

That's about all at present. Must dash, off to work (ugh).

Keep smiling

Jules

Hi Jules

It needs adjusting -there is obviously a 'pressure spot'. Ask for an earlier appt for easing the obturator. You don't need to suffer unneccessary discomfort fo 3 months after all you have been through! Also avoid clenching on your teeth/plate -it will make the palate sore too.

It is okay to wear it at night - it will help breathing by nose (as should be) and 'being normal' but you must keep a clean mouth by brushing your teeth meticulously to avoid tooth decay and gum disease. Also find some time (e.g. during a bath) to take the plate out to give the tissue a rest (massage it for a bit of stimulatio that it no longer gets from tongue and food contact).

Best wishes
Vinod :coffee: ( off to work to ease a denture!