Welcome to OCF! You have found the best place for correct medical info and support.

It sounds like you have been thru quite alot over the past 4 years. On the bright side, congrats on being a 4 year survivor! I like your positive attitude too!

I was not able to get implants so unfortunately I do not have experience in exactly what you are going thru. I dont think many members have been able to get implants. As far as your issue of bone loss, thats more common. This is probably why you havent had many responses yet. Ive lost half of my lower jaw to oral cancer and am now disfigured so I can sympathize with your dramatic change in appearance comment.

Have you done HBO (hyperbaric oxygen treatments)? Ive had many issues with my remaining jaw and have done quite alot of the dives. This is very important if you are getting teeth pulled. It can help osteradionecrosis which is what you might be going thru with your bone loss. What kinds of doctors have you seen? has anyone suggested doing HBO?

Best wishes!



Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile