I have developed osteoradionecrosis (ORN) in my lower right jaw as a result of radiation in 2005. Additionally I have trismus with about a one mm opening between top and bottom front teeth. I will complete 60 HBO dives on January 20. (I do still have SCC mets to a right hilar lymph node in my chest and am in a Genentech clinical trial for the cancer.) I have completed a 30 day course of oral Augmentin 875. I am having some difficulty finding the specialist to manage my ORN/Trismus from this point forward. I saw an Oral Surgeon (non MD) early in my HBOT but he has stepped out as my difficulties are "beyond my scope." Suggestions please. My clinical trial oncologist referred me back to my 2005 ENT Surgeon who immediately wanted IV ABTs although I had no infection. I certainly will return to him if needed, but it would seem that an Oral/Maxillofacial Surgeon may have the expertise for ORN. I am scheduled for a CT on January 18 as part of my clinical trial and have added "jaw" to my usual thorax, abdomen, pelvis CT. Can I expect to see improvement in my jaw in the CT, if in fact "improvement" is happening? Thanks in advance for your input.


Be well. Zenda
12/04 SCC Tonsil, Stage IV T3N2BM0. Mod RND, resect right oropharynx, free-flap, resect right tongue base. Erbitux,Docetaxel,RT X 33. 6/08 Mets lung, hilar lymph node:Carboplatin, Docetaxel. 2010 2nd clinical trial:lung clear, node stable. ORN,trismus,dysphagia. 8-10/2012 cryoablation,brachytherapy,cyberknife to lymph node. 12/12 NED. 6/13 Mets RLL lung: 8/13 cyberknife. 11/13 NED.