#38586 05-20-2005 01:17 PM | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 417 "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) | OP  "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 417 | The last thing I want to do is frighten people and different individuals react differently to radiation therapy to the oral cavity.
One of the worst of the many side effects has been a total loss of all salivary function. Saliva, as most of you know, not only lubricates the oral cavity but contains enzymes and anti bacterial agents that are necessary for optimal Dental health. I recently passed the one year mark, post treatment. I cannot swallow liquids (Dysphagia). I have but twelve teeth left, all were pulled prior to treatment, and last month at my second 6 month dental follow-up and cleaning I had seven relatively deep cavities all repairable but not pain free.
I have been faithful with twice daily floride treatments, brushing and flossing but still there were cavities. This is due to, NO SPIT, according to my dentist.
I have taken all the gland stimulants, etc. nothing works, all salivary function is gone, but that is still better than the alternative.
At one year, plus or minus a few days, post treatment I am NOT free of Cancer, But I am CANCER FREE.
Darrell
Stage 3, T3,N1,M0,SCC, Base of Tongue. No Surgery, Radiationx39, Chemo, Taxol & Carboplatin Weekly 8 Treatments 2004. Age 60. Recurrence 2/06, SCC, Chest & Neck (Sub clavean), Remission 8/06. Recurrence SCC 12/10/06 Chest.
| | |
#38587 05-20-2005 03:06 PM | Joined: Jun 2002 Posts: 206 Platinum Member (200+ posts) | | Platinum Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2002 Posts: 206 | HI Darrell, I understand as I have spent many hours in a Dentist chair. Having root canals done
that don't last. I finally landed in Little Rock
and the Dentist here said I should have the bottom
teeth removed. I live on baby food now but don't
mind. I still have most of the upper teeth and
still doing good. Only because I don't chew any
more. I'm 15 years out and the salvia is coming
back. Keep in touch.
Cathy
Cathy
SCCA Stage IV diagnosed 01/90
base of tongue with 1/2 removed.
With neck resection, radiation and chemo
| | |
#38588 05-20-2005 04:32 PM | Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,384 Likes: 1 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,384 Likes: 1 | That is good info Darrell, are you using any of the Biotene products?
Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.
| | |
#38589 05-21-2005 03:59 PM | 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 | Please...anyone considering an extraction AFTER radiation treatments from a part of the bone that was in the field of radiation, BE SURE that the dentist knows about your radiation treatments, and also that he consults with your oncologist, or more specifically a dental oncologist which there are many of, mostly located at major cancer centers. There are healing issues post extraction and dire consequenses for some if this is not approached properly. For some, O2 dives prior to the extraction may be a necessity. Do not take this issue casually.
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.
| | |
#38590 05-22-2005 03:29 AM | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 417 "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) | | OP "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 417 | I use Biotene products and Floride (Sodium Floride) treatments in custom made trays.
I mix Biotene mouthwash with my artificial spit.
All of my extractions were pretreatment as a safeguard, hopefully preventing the need for posttreatment extractions and the decreased possibility of mandibular necrosis.
Darrell
Stage 3, T3,N1,M0,SCC, Base of Tongue. No Surgery, Radiationx39, Chemo, Taxol & Carboplatin Weekly 8 Treatments 2004. Age 60. Recurrence 2/06, SCC, Chest & Neck (Sub clavean), Remission 8/06. Recurrence SCC 12/10/06 Chest.
| | |
#38591 05-22-2005 01:35 PM | Joined: Jun 2002 Posts: 206 Platinum Member (200+ posts) | | Platinum Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2002 Posts: 206 | Hi Brian, I have had the Dives of 02. I tell all
my Doctors about the cancer and radiation treatments. Hope all is well with you?
Cathy
Cathy
SCCA Stage IV diagnosed 01/90
base of tongue with 1/2 removed.
With neck resection, radiation and chemo
| | |
| Forums23 Topics18,168 Posts196,927 Members13,104 | | Most Online458
Jan 16th, 2020 | | |
|
