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Meet others living with Head & Neck Cancer: Introduce yourself
Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: Apr 14 10:24am | Replies (456)Comment receiving replies
Hi Everyone,
My name is Bobbielynn from Sunny California. A wonderful 59 year old I 've had Head and neck cancer since 2008. Thought it was a canker sore on my tongue but turned out to be cancer. Recurrence on the day of my five year anniversay I had surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy both times. i have a flap sewn to the bottom of my mouth and a huge scar from the graft on my right arm. I say its a cancer awareness tattoo. I had to learn to speak and eat again however the side effects are the ones hitting me now. My speech and eating was affected but i have adjusted and actually doing well. I had to rethink how I was going to see this as a problem or an adventure (mindfulness) Its been an adventure learning to puree foods to chew hits and misses there. I found out I will be losing my teeth from the radiontherapy bummed sounds swallow but it bothers me.
Hoping healing no pain would be nice, and thinking okay going to have to practice a different smile hmm maybe an Olsen twin smirk. LOL
Anyone have any helpful tips for puree foods or experice tooth loss after treatments?
Replies to "Hi Everyone, My name is Bobbielynn from Sunny California. A wonderful 59 year old I 've..."
@nanab1219 Dealing with tooth loss after cancer treatments would be a great topic for a new discussion. Here's how:
1. Go to the H&N Cancer group homepage here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/head-neck-cancer/
2. Click the START A DISCUSSION button.
3. Enter a title. Something like “Coping with tooth loss after cancer treatments”
4. Write your message.
5. Click CREATE DISCUSSION
Hi Bobbielynn,
I also belong to the tattoo club! Today was my almost five year checkup. Dr Strome was very happy to see me doing so well. I feel well, and I am so glad to see how positive you are about this adventure we have been presented with. I have lost four of my molars, due to radiation. All on the same side, two from the top and two from the bottom. My gums receded in such a way, that the roots were very exposed and infections were festering deep inside. Otherwise, the rest of my denture is healthy. I go for cleaning every three months. I use water pick, brushing and little brushes to clean between the teeth. I am fastidious about cleaning my mouth, and if you are suffering from lack of saliva, as many of us are, you know how everything sticks to your teeth; so cleaning is essential.
I love avocados. If you mash them, you have guacamole. I lived on avocados and cuddled eggs when at my worst. I have been juicing for five years now. Lately, I have been adding collagen to my juices. It helps in the healing process.What about refried beens? You can make them as dry or as runny as you wish.
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Hi..Jan here from Jacksonville, FL. You are a tough one. Congrats,on your great attitude. My best to you and hope each day you feel a littlle better. Chat anytime.