Tim,

The reason It didn't make my 4 month update list is because I worked very hard (oops, bad choice of word) to make sure the sex thing wasn't much of an issue. If I had worked as hard (oops again) on other potential side effects, I probably wouldn't have dry mouth right now.

Funny thing and true story. Near the end of my Tx when my sex drive was pretty down, my ENT who is a friend, offered to prescribe testosterone tablets. When my wife (love you sweetheart) found out she told him that she would run him down in her car if he did. I didn't get my pills; he didn't get run over and despite all of her interference (love you sweetheart) I fully recovered.

Mark D. I am sorry about your dental issues too. Although congratulations on your riding the expressway!
Mike had that the same treatment as you, radiation was not IMRT. He had his final visit with the RO this week and was told the extreme dry mouth will not go away, but full taste will return. I worry about the lack of enzymes you spoke of leading to future dental problems. He had no dental issues going into this or now.

Tim, tell your wife the VS semi annual sale is on! Mabey she'll come home with furry earmuffs for you!

Darrell, did you catch her?

Thank you, Amy!

Back to Deborah's question, although this concerns chemo treatment. I recall somewhere instructions stating that "you will be fatigued an may not have an interest in sex....." and then something about needing a condom for a day or so after treatment. It concerned bodily elimation of the drugs not necessarily birth control.
Our son (in his 20's) was there for the first treatment with us and reading those instuctions. He came to the relations part and looked at us like this could not possibly apply to us. Mike says "you better get to the drug store and get some, Ginny" and son groans and shakes his head and says "oh, great now I need counseling, yuck, my parents!"

Ginny,

My radiation was not IMRT either (it wasn't even around when I was treated), and I've gotten back a surprising amount of salivary function over the years. I do take Salagen every day, which really helps me, and I use Biotene mouthwash regularly. It IS really important to pay attention to dental care post-treatment -- frequent brushing, fluoride applications, regular cleanings, etc. -- but so far I've been able to avoid anything like tooth extractions or root canals by being pretty diligent about dental hygiene.

Cathy

Hello Everyone, I figured I would put my 2 cents in on this topic. I would be having sex if there were someone available, absolutely! But with my rootcanal problem and this cold I got(from kissing a woman no doubt), I haven't felt like kissing a lot. The pain from my top left molar is now gone and sinus pressure is dropping so my other pressure is building!I don't mean blood pressure either! Any assistance would be appreciated! Just joking! Hang in there, Debora. Things will get better, and life is good if you're this side of the dirt! Tony

Hello Everyone, I figured I would put my 2 cents in on this topic. I would be having sex if there were someone available, absolutely! But with my rootcanal problem and this cold I got(from kissing a woman no doubt), I haven't felt like kissing a lot. The pain from my top left molar is now gone and sinus pressure is dropping so my other pressure is building!I don't mean blood pressure either! Any assistance would be appreciated! Just joking! Hang in there, Debora. Things will get better, and life is good if you're this side of the dirt! Tony

Well I have conceded that since David has taken the title over as ladies man I believe he should have the final vote as to who wins the sites sex symbol.
Ginny just because Mike had the old radiation does not mean he will have the same problems I'm having with my teeth. My ent, Rad Dr. dentist tell me I have an extreme case of dry mouth. Although I have no one to compare it to. I can't carry on a conversation for more than 2 minutes without needing to drink water. Like Cathy I was on Salagen for 3 months and it did not help at all. I never eat any sweets and yet no matter how much I brush, Floss, and Flouride I will always have dental issues. Cathy is right though I would hate to think where I would be withoutgood dental hygeine. It is funny how people can have similar tx and have different or no side effects. Hope all is well with everyome.