Hello New Friends!

My name is Cindy. I attended my first OCF event back in March & it was a blessing to meet those “walking in my shoes.” I’m looking forward to being a part of this forum to learn more about the best care possible, meeting more online friends.
I was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma on left side of tongue in 1999 (surgery to remove). It came back in 2014 ( stage 4, making surgery with graft, chemo & radiation a must).
I have lost 2 teeth (# 18 in 2017 & # 19 this month).
I’ve joined the forum to learn ways to help with prevention of future loss of teeth as well as getting ideas from y’all about oral hygiene when I have this large empty space (lower jaw, left side).
My oral surgeon did not put me on antibiotics when he pulled my tooth. He gave me chlorahexidine (peridex) mouth rinse.
How do you keep this deep hole clean? Does that sound normal?
I currently use a water pic (not on healing tissue), mouthwash, sonic toothbrush, and I clean with soft toothpicks between teeth.
Truthfully, I’m planning to attend SPOHNC meeting (first time)next Thursday because I may need a new Oral surgeon & Periodontist. I don’t trust that my current providers are doing all they can to help. I feel like they’re just watching it “go down.”
I did have 40 sessions of HBO 2 years ago & they claim, that is all they can do.
I’ll post this on other (more appropriate?) forums, but just saying hi & letting you know why it took me so long to get to this wonderful site.

Before I end, just letting y’all know that as I read y’all’s posts in general, I’m inspired. We are stronger together! Hope Anchors the Soul!