It's not fun when your nurses don't listen sadly it happens a lot. Sorry about your teeth. I was saying to someone a few weeks ago and I've said it here. Once treatment is over and you're up to it dental repair should not only be available it should be covered. If women can have their breasts replaced free of charge (here it's fully covered) then dental for something like this should also be. They yammer on about cosmetic this and that but boobs are cosmetic, and truth be told be rarely flash them unless on a beach, or to a partner, teeth are the first thing you see when you meet a person... They are very important for eating as well. It boggles my mind. Hopefully your pain will subside and you can definitely have something done about your teeth when the time comes - hugs girl

Hi, Maureen
I am glad to hear your sounding more like yourself, and the dental claim will be progressing soon. A colleague of mine and his family were vacationing in New Zealand a few years ago, and were in a catastrophic car crash - they were very well cared for by your health care system, and I hope you get some of their nurses!
When my mom had to have all her teeth out in preparation for dentures, she did adjust to the lack of front teeth before the dentures could be used. Your friends will 'edit out' the missing teeth very quickly and will be seeing YOU - not the gap. If others stare rudely, look them in the eye, say 'cancer therapy'. It will either shut them down (if they are not worth knowing) or you will uncover a new friend.
Maria

Maureen,

I'm so sorry to hear that the surgery was more involved than you expected. I'm glad you are recuperating but wish your hospital caregivers were a bit more understanding.

Because of the radiation damage to my lower jaw, I had my 4 front lower teeth removed. I had 2 removed in 12/2012 and then 2 more removed in 5/2013. I had to undergo more HBO before the additional teeth were removed in May 2013. I am in the process of having a permanent bridge made, but this process has been a long drawn out process because of the radiation damage.

While waiting for the bridge to be made (about 9 months), my dentist (a prosthodontist) made me some temporary teeth to fill the gap. I don't recall what the appliance was called, but it was thin silicone (or something like that) that went over my teeth similar to the dental trays or mouth guards I have, but much thinner. Almost like the Invisalign braces they use to straighten teeth instead of metal braces. He filled the area of the appliance where my teeth were missing with a material that resembled my natural teeth and from a distance they did look like my real teeth and I was able to eat some foods with this in.

I too was concerned about going out in public with missing teeth, and this was a great temporary solution.

Wishing you the best.

Hi, people. Phew, I just managed to survive a weekend in the hospital. Very slow, no decision makers around ...awful. I felt no pain in the weekend but just an extreme level of hard-to-describe discomfort. My nose was streaming, I was dribbling and the ng tube seemed to be irritating my throat. I thought I was going into a genuine depression too: tears, black thoughts. Finally I asked a sympathetic nurse to give me Oxynorm for the discomfort and do you know what? Within five minutes I felt normal again. At the same time my IV had to be replaced, a difficult job on my arms so the nurse called someone termed a cannulator. He was a Filipino guy who said said he felt blessed to be living in NZ and wanted to return the blessing to the people he dealt with. I haven't put it quite right but it was a beautiful point at just the right time.
Now I have seen the docs and have started drinking water and Fortisip. Strange to be taking food in with no front teeth but I'll go with any improvement that will get me home.

So Sorry to read your update. I wish there was something I could do to help you get past this difficult time.

I heard of others who have had their throats bother them with the NG tube. Please be your own best advocate and dont put yourself thru being in pain. Taking pain meds when you hurt is ok. Im glad you got some relief.

Keeping you in my thoughts. Wishing you all the very best! (((HUGS)))

Thanks, Christine. I am a lot better now. Should get NG out tonight or tomorrow. I've drunk 4 bottles of Fortisip and taken some meds orally. A great relief to be free of the drip stand.

Yeah!! there is always a silver lining. Sometimes we don't realize the mental impact that physical discomfort can have on us. You are already in a tentative state emotionally, it sometimes doesn't take much to hit that wall and then push you over the edge emotionally. That as you know is very common. And normalcy is always something we strive for - it proves to us that there is a reason for going on, and pushing forward. So hopefully with each improvement you will match that with hope. I know it's hard not to get down, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Hugs and thinking about you.

I'm home! I feel like me! The hospital is arranging for me to have temporary front teeth for my son's wedding on 29th of this month.

I didn't know such a thing was possible until I read it here. I told one of my sons who asked the registrar. Moreover, the hospital was very helpful after I had my big crying fit on Sunday. (What can one conclude from this?)

Cancer Society person coming tomorrow.

The person who makes enough noise gets attention... very very true. and you deserved a good cry. Yes temporary teeth are great... I think they are called flippers in the fashion world (used for those little toddle in tiara kids who have no front teeth...) I feel you should wear a tiara to the wedding.

So glad you are home and feeling better. hugs my dear.

So pleased to hear that you are feeling like You. . Yes, it has been my experience that sometimes one just has to have a meltdown to get action. .
I have been at beautiful Red Beach this morning. It was a glorious morning.
Tammy