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What is your quality of life after a partial maxillectomy?
Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: Apr 27 9:07pm | Replies (31)Comment receiving replies
Hi,
Thanks so much for your reply, it is super helpful and appreciated.
My husband’s surgery was 4 weeks ago. His swelling has gone down a lot but he feels like it has plateaued. The inside is particularly frustrating as it feels like he always has a full mouthful of food so he is really wanting that to subside. Does that ever happen?
We were told that radiation does reduce the internal swelling of the flap- do you have experience with this?
He is taking ibuprofen and voltaren for inflammation.
Thank you.
Replies to "Hi, Thanks so much for your reply, it is super helpful and appreciated. My husband’s surgery..."
Good old fashioned hot and cold packs might give a little relief. The cold eases swelling and warm will stimulate circulation to the area to remove fluid swelling. My grandfather was an orthopedic surgeon and always recommended alternating 10 minutes of cold/10 minutes of hot. Also does sucking on ice or popsicles help him at all? My Dad had that surgery back in the early 90s and used a lot of ice chips and very cold drinks in those initial weeks postop. I just do not remember how long it took for all his swelling to go down. Sometimes there can be an accumulation of fluid or drainage after a surgery so checking back with the surgical team is important. I imagine you have regular visits with them.
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I would think things should be improving soon. If not, a consult with his doctor or surgeon could give him answers.
My biggest issue was the permanent numbness of my lower lip. I don’t know if I will ever get used to that. I do recall inside my mouth was swollen for some time and I had issues drinking liquids, mostly due to the numb lip.