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Joined: May 2008
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Joined: May 2008
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my insurance has delayed me from getting an oral surgeon im due for im due for chemo in a few weeks for 6-8 weeks doctor said its alright just have to get it done before radiation.
But getting teeth pulled before im messed up on chemo has to be better right? Thank you Victor Brown
my doctors arent very helpful and ive been misdiagnosed for 7 months with a lemon sized lymphnode and a 4cm tonsil tumor and ive been left hanging now for 5 weeks since i was diagnosed with squamos cell carcinoma.
Thanks victor Brown


Tonsil into base of tongue 3to4cm tumor. Giant lemon sized 9cm lymphnode. Squamos cell carcinoma
April 5 diagnosed. June 5 started treatment. Cetuximab Carboplatin Paclitaxel once a week for 6 weeks.Then 7 weeks of radiation plus chemo cisplatin then 4 weeks rest then neck disection was Nov 7 2008
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Since chemo can lower your white blood cell count and leave you vulnerable to infection I would think it would be much safer to get your teeth pulled before you have chemo.

Nelie


SCC(T2N0M0) part.glossectomy & neck dissect 2/9/05 & 2/25/05.33 IMRT(66 Gy),2 Cisplatin ended 06/03/05.Stage I breast cancer treated 2/05-11/05.Surgery to remove esophageal stricture 07/06, still having dilatations to keep esophagus open.Dysphagia. "When you're going through hell, keep going"
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I had to have mine pulled before rads and chemo started. They can decay and cause infection. Get them out 1st because you will have enough to deal with. I had rads at chemo at the same time.


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
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This is a controversial subject. I did not have mine pulled. My dentist checked them out and replaced 3 caps prior to my radiation and chemotherapy. I was also fitted with dental trays and did the fluoride treatment every night. I'm now a 1.5 years out of treatment and haven't had any major problems. I do have to take more care, floss and Gel-Kam every night, because of having so much less saliva.


Stage III BOT, 14 weeks chemotherapy, 7 weeks IMRT. Finished treatment Jan. 2007.
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I wish I had the saliva problem Popcorn dry all the time in my mouth.


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: Aug 2007
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Posts: 580
victor53,
You are exactly correct in your assessment. If you have teeth that need to be extracted get them out before your chemo/rad begins.
If teeth are beyond a reasonable state of repair, have questionable bone support or have periodontal disease it would be much better to have them removed prior to chemo and/or radiation therapy. If they are left they can lead to problems that are very painful, compromise your immune system and hamper your ability to eat.
It would also be beneficial to have a very good dental cleaning and examination prior to commencing treatment.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cheers,
Mike


Dentist since 1995, 12 year Cancer Survivor, Father, Husband, Thankful to so many who supported me on my journey so far, and more than happy to comfort a friend.
Live, Laugh, Love & Learn.
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I had all my teeth pulled prior to radiation and chemo. I was fitted for dentures before they were pulled. I had fought with periodontal disease for years. My treatments were delayed 1 week so I would be completely healed. Will be thinking of you !


Tammy 43 yr non smoker- Dx-10/11/07 Stage 4 Tongue Cancer Surg.10/17/07, 1/4 Tongue and 14 Lymph nodes 5 positive, Peg tube/Chemo port,Chemo 3 wks/Radiation 6 wks begins 11/07 end 02/08.Teeth removed prior to radiation. PetScan 05/08 CLEAR 09/09. 2011 diag. w/osteoradionecrosis.100 HBO's

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