Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | The scans will help your doctor determine how big of an area is affected by ORN. Dont be surprised if your doc isnt able to give you exact info about how much if your jaw will be removed. The surgeon will know exactly what must be removed when they operate and can see how much has been affected.
As long as your doc understands how severe your pain is at this time, they should be able to manage it after the surgery. By having 2 different meds it will enable you to alternate between the 2 meds so you wont have to wait until its the correct time for your next dose of pain meds. You may be surprised at how much better you feel once the bad part of your jaw has been taken out. Ive heard ORN can cause excruciating pain. When I had my teeth removed in early 2009, I was surprised at how much a teeny tiny shard of a tooth could hurt. It was very small but when it was poking out of my gums, I was in agony. Once the doctor pulled the tiny piece of tooth out, I felt instant relief from the pain. You may have a similar experience after the ORN is removed.
ChristineSCC 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 |