← Return to HPV squamous cell throat cancer: Soft palate isn't working

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@gareee314 Sounds good that the exercise is helping and crossing fingers that this might help him too. They also removed all lymph nodes from his neck (all found to be ok with no cancer). His neck did swell in the front with fluid but seems to be going down. I've arranged for a lymphatic drainage massage this week and hope this helps. 4-1/2 years is very long and you certainly have a lot of patience, my fear also is the aspirating going to the lungs. . Husband has to carry kleenexes with him everywhere he goes in case he happens to drink something. Did they tell you about maybe trying a Palate Obturator? This seems to be the plan our surgeon mentioned to follow after 6 months but from what I've heard, even on this site, not very successful. We were disappointed to find out that he is not considering a surgical flap which was originally discussed prior to surgery and supposed to correct the aspiration and nasal speech. Thank you for confirming that the swallow/speech might help. Wishing you a magical and speedy recovery!

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Replies to "@gareee314 Sounds good that the exercise is helping and crossing fingers that this might help him..."

@pamelaaci Yes I am having a palatal lift device made right now..I had it home awhile after the specialist molded it with hot wax (uncomfortable) and it was like having a shoehorn in my mouth made of acrylic and clipped on my upper molars..I could hardly swallow spit because the tongue can hardly move with it in. Had to be taken out after 10 minutes to hock-up more mucous from above the palate..$2,000 later found out Medicare wouldn't reimburse because they said not related to cancer..We and the specialist are appealing.... Oh, being on Glucerna I have to be near a toilet because of loose stool. Found out I am allergic to cow's milk and soy from a blood drawing.. This is what Glucerna has in it. This might be causing the mucous and inside palate and gum swelling.