← Return to Parotid gland tumor. Will need surgery. Your experience at Mayo?

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Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sepdvm

@trainwife I can understand your distress. Appearance is a big part of who we are and these paralysis changes are tough to live with. I am currently having more facial issues which I feel to be more muscle atrophy and fibrosis from radiation. Facial exercises seem to help, as does infrared light therapy. I was just referred to a Dr. Dey at Mayo Rochester who specializes in facial reanimation and see him in June. I am not sure that is what I need but my new ENT had no suggestions. If nerve damage is part of your paralysis as mine was, give it time. Nerve tissue is very slow to heal and regenerate function. I was still improving many years later. Research Lion's Mane mushrooms for a nerve supplement. When I started taking that from RealMushrooms.com I had a definite improvement in nerve control. Tho it is hard to look in the mirror some days, your family and friends do not judge you for your appearance. It can be the new normal. Keep up your exercises and look into red light therapy. Enjoy spending time in nature as it relieves some stress. This can still improve for you, just keep looking for new options.

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Replies to "@trainwife I can understand your distress. Appearance is a big part of who we are and..."

@sepdvm I can not tell you how much your reply means to me, so thank you from the bottom of my heart❤️. I have an appointment with Dr. Dey on Friday, so we will leave on Thursday around noon, as it takes 4.5 hours to get there. Well worth the trip, and I have all my questions. He loves questions, no matter how insane they may sound, so ask away! He is a very dedicated doctor with a compassionate manner and calming voice. He cares about his patients. I’ve been taking the lion’s mane, doing red therapy mask daily, OC, and speech therapy twice a week, and am thinking about starting online speech therapy as well if my insurance agrees to pay for both. I'm excited to see Dr. Dey - he will be doing RF micro needling and some touchups on my face. We will talk about another surgery in the future, as my most recent surgery was only 2.5 months ago. Keep in touch and let me know how you like Dr. Dey. He knows me well