Flap Not Functioning

Posted by mattbrolly @mattbrolly, Jan 11, 2025

Hi, has anyone experienced removal of a portion of your soft palate where the flap no longer holds food or liquid down? I have had multiple procedures but have been told nothing more can be done about my “defect”. Wondering if there is hope or if anyone has had this experience? Praying for you all with your struggles!

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jan 19, 2025

@mattbrolly, I'm sorry to hear that your soft palate flap is not able to hold food or liquid down. You mention that you've had several procedures done. Does that mean you've had soft palate reconstruction or a free flap that didn't help? Do you eat using a feeding tube?

mattbrolly | @mattbrolly | Jan 19, 2025

I do not eat using a feeding tube but often have a liquid diet.

mattbrolly | @mattbrolly | Jan 19, 2025

In reply to @colleenyoung "@mattbrolly, I'm sorry to hear that your soft palate flap is not able to hold food..." + (show)

Hi Colleen, I have had soft palate reconnection surgery twice and two corrections to the tissue.

pamelaaci | @pamelaaci | Mar 9 2:13pm

My husband has HPV soft palate cancer and surgery scheduled 3/23/26. Doctor says he will remove the palate and replace with a flat. That he should not be leaving the hospital with a nose tube. Scary -- has anyone had this surgery and reconstruction? He believes it being early stage and that he should not need radiation (crossing fingers!)

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 20 4:22pm

In reply to @pamelaaci "My husband has HPV soft palate cancer and surgery scheduled 3/23/26. Doctor says he will remove..." + (show)

@pamelaaci, thinking of you as you and your husband prepare for surgery next week. @hrhwilliam may have some tips or thoughts for you as well.

pamelaaci | @pamelaaci | Mar 20 5:30pm

In reply to @colleenyoung "@pamelaaci, thinking of you as you and your husband prepare for surgery next week. @hrhwilliam may..." + (show)

@colleenyoung You are so sweet Colleen. Thank you so much. We’ve been married 47 years and this is scary…Hugs.

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