I haven't posted in awhile because I was trying to give my mind a break while things were relatively stable.My husband had a good recovery from tx, a dental extraction was necessary, and 1 1/2 yrs. later, early-stage ORN.

I am not dealing with this well. I wish I had never read all the horror stories. He has been on antibiotic therapy several times and looks like debridement is in the future. How likely this will stall progression, I'm not optimistic. Has anyone had an extraction followed by ORN & not needed a resection? This has been more difficult for me than dealing with the cancer. The new normal did not take long to accept; this is devastating. I keep going over if only the wisdom tooth was removed pre tx. Our cancer center referred us to our general dentist for pre tx exam. If I had know the danger, I would have sought out someone experienced with oral cancer. I know, there is a debate about pulling healthy teeth, but I would feel better now if he had been checked by an expert.

In addition, we live 2 1/2 hours from NYC, Head, Neck & Thyroid Cancer Center, Mt. Sinai/Beth Israel. We have consulted with Dr. Buchbinder, oral surgeon. I am glad that we are established there, but trying to make plans
and get call-backs has been slow. It's not as if we can be fit in last minute for an appt. I'm worried about an emergency - fracture of the mandible. etc. Dr. Buchbinder is very calming. He does not go into dire predictions and says this could stabilize for "awhile". We have a wonderful local oral surgeon who is willing to help us in any way, except he wants any surgery referred to NYC and, I agree.

I am going to a dark place - will it be worth surviving cancer for my husband to now face this?

Lottie