| | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) |  Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Patty, this isn't a novel LOL more like a short story. The more info you put out, the better the answers you will receive.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | I live on the other side of the state, near Phila. and am an Eagles fan.
Filing the teeth is irreversible, my suggestion might be a better solution.
Don't ever feel that you are writing too much. We're all here to read, listen and help.
Please keep us posted.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,912 Likes: 52 OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,912 Likes: 52 | I like Jerry's option. This will help you determine that this is the cause, can be infinitely adjusted thinned smoothed and is a relatively inexpensive process to explore things with. When this solves your problem, you can then decide to continue with it or have any rough areas on you teeth taken down with a bur and polished to a smooth finish. As someone with a minor bit of dental knowledge, I think that the first rule of thumb is to not cut health dentition unless it is absolutely necessary, Once gone, it is gone.
Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 229 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | OP Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 229 | Ahhhh.......I see your point now. Thank you~ I searched and ordered lower mouth guards on the internet pre-surgery, but they were all big and bulky. I threw them out once I came home from my surgery. The couple that I bought would now cause more harm than good. Maybe I should just wait for my visit and see what the Doc says or do you have any suggestions on where to look. I'm sorry Jerry, I swear I won't hold it against you for being an Eagles fan. 
Patty
08-10-09 Partial Glossectomy w/suprahyoid neck dissection
SCC T1NOMX Stage I | 46 years old
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 238 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 238 | Patty,
Write away!!! Welcome to OCF where you will find so many caring and helpful people. I don't think I've ever seen a group of people who were so kind and willing to share their experiences and advice. You will feel right at home here... because they make you feel that way. Congrats on your good report!
Nancy T
CG/Mom: 5 1/2 years SCC upper palate,4 recurrences, surgeries, chemo & radiation. Mom went to Heaven 1/21/11.
| | | | | Joined: May 2008 Posts: 357 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: May 2008 Posts: 357 | Hi, Patty -
My surgery was also minor compared to many here, and I didn't have treatment following the surgery. I often felt unworthy to take part in discussions because, well, I didn't "suffer" as much as others. But I found out no one's keeping score. The only score that matters is the one that beats OC. We're all on the same team, and every member counts.
Recurrence is something we all think about. My dr. told me that if I could guarantee him a 30% return on his investment, he'd guarantee me it wouldn't come back. Vigilance, self-advocacy and a good medical team are our best weapons. Someone here put it in perspective - to paraphrase - I survived cancer, I can survive anything they throw at me.
Good luck with you latest problem.
Marlene
Marginal mandibulectomy 6/17/08 resulted in DX of Stage I SCC - gingiva (3 mm) right mandible, buccal side. Clear margins. Occasional social drinker. Smoked last cigarette in 1979. Clear pet: 12/08; 7/20/09. Yay!
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 211 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 211 | Welcome, Patty,
I'm so glad that you've received good follow-up news so far (except, of course, having SCC in the first place is enough in and of itself). This board has been so helpful to me and it I hope it will be to you as well.
Sophie
Last edited by Sophie H.; 09-16-2009 03:45 PM.
Sophie T.
CG to husband: SCC Stage 4, T4, N1, M0; non-smoker and very light social drinker; HPV+
induction chemo begun 7/07; chemo/radiation ended 10/10, first cat scan clear; scan on 5/9/08 clear, scan on 10/08 clear; scan 1/09 clear; scan 1/10 clear; passed away July 2, 2016
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 229 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | OP Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 229 | You all are so wonderful and have really made me feel at home. I'm so glad I decided to join and take the plunge. I know that if I have something on my mind and don't want to burden my family, I'll find what I need here. I really appreciate it.
Patty
08-10-09 Partial Glossectomy w/suprahyoid neck dissection
SCC T1NOMX Stage I | 46 years old
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Marlene, I truly enjoyed your post and you are a survivor and that is what matters I hope you go for another 75 years.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Patty,
There are no store bought night guards that will serve the purpose as you have found out. It is a simple procedure to have the dentist take impressions and in a few days, you could have a custom made night guard.
How does someone living in Alaska become a Steelers fan? Are you a transplanted Pennsylvanian?
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
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