| | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,940 "OCF across the pond" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) |  "OCF across the pond" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,940 | I think perhaps its time for one of our experts to chime in here and explain this thing about teeth removal.Its always been a bit of a mystery to me as we were told Rob had to have a dental check up and clean prior to radiotherapy but extraction of teeth was never mentioned.It seems to be coming more and more routine,which i find quite worrying.What is the science behind this Brian/David/Gary?
Liz in the UK
Husband Robin aged 44 years Dx 8th Dec 2006 poorly differentiated SCC tongue with met to neck T1N2cM0 Surgery and Radiation.Finished TX April 2007
Recurrence June/07 died July 29th/07.
Never take your eye off the ball, it may just smack you in the mouth.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Actually Liz I think it's less of an issue today than it was say 5+ years ago or when IMRT became the standard radiation Tx over it's predecessor RT which produced far greater damage to the teeth and their blood supply. We still see it recommended, one because the teeth are so bad going into Tx and two because of continuing conservative Tx approaches especially beyond the CCC level.
This is just my take on this issue and by no means is backed by anything other than my experience on this site and my conversations with Moffitt and my dentist so that and $200 will get you a cup of java.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Traci,
Great web site.
Is he using the trays on what teeth he has left?
Man they hit his lips/mouth area hard.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | | Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 | What David said is correct to my knowledge. Back in 1997 when I had XRT radiation, they routinely pulled any teeth that were in the field of radiation, sometimes regardless of condition. I had my 16 rear teeth removed which my subsequent prosthrodontist who specializes in oral cancer patients said was totally unnecessary. I have since had to have all my remaining teeth capped despite meticulous dental care but I'm not in danger of losing any of them. These days they only remove teeth that are in bad condition and might need extraction at a future date.
Eileen
----------------------
Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III
mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad
Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND
June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer
June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Mine were pulled to prevent tooth decay and infection that they said would be in my mouth if I kept my teeth. I sure wish I would have said lets risk it. The seed implants in my tongue were the main reason to pull them. I wish I would have refused implants too.
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: Mar 2009 Posts: 18 Member | | Member
Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 18 | Hey David,
Unfortunately no - he is not using trays on his teeth because he has an area on his tongue that is still extremely sensitive to anything hot, spicy, minty, etc. Ive got him brushing with children's Crest using a Sonicare toothbrush and rinses with waterpick it seems like 15 times a day minimum. He is still not eating too many solid foods and is mainly eating soup and about a case of Ensure every 2 days. The amount of crud that comes out of his mouth is incredible seeing that there are no food particles really even entering his mouth.
I received an email from another member that has given me his oral surgeons name over at Emory since it is down the street and plan on calling him tomorrow.
Thanks for the compliment on the website. I need to update it and post some pictures of him now. What a year!
Traci ******* Spouse to Lew (59)(5 family members DX) SCC IVA/T1N2M0 BOT DX 9/08 /Tonsillectomy(cl)/ TX 12/08 (TPF)x2 /RT x35 w 7 wkly (Taxol, Carboplatin, Erbitux) Finish 4/09 / Port /no peg lost 105lbs/ 2/10 CT clear/HBOT x30/all teeth out and implants placed www.asilentepidemic.webs.com | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Traci,
Try Biotene toothpaste. It will be better for him.
Also look into Carnation IB VHC. At his consumption rate it will probably be cheaper and it will definitely reduce his drinking time.
Do ask his dentist about the trays. There are different fluoride products and maybe one won't cause him any irritation.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | | Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 | In addition to Biotene toothpaste for brushing, I use Gel Kam Fruit & Berry fluoride in my trays. This is not minty and does not burn at all. For me, the flavor also helps produce saliva. Might give it a try. 12 years out and I still can't do anything minty.
Take care,
Eileen
----------------------
Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III
mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad
Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND
June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer
June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Eileen,
That's the first time I've ever heard of that variety. I almost thought you were kidding so I did look it up. Interesting. Is there a little prize inside each box?? lol
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | | Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 | LOL! I only wish. The suggestion to use Fruit and Berry came from the dentist that had my 16 rear teeth pulled unnecessarily and then refused to make me partials for a year. The Fruit & Berry was the only good thing I got from him.
Take care,
Eileen
----------------------
Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III
mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad
Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND
June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer
June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I
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