I’m sorry to say but I’m 18 years out from initial diagnosis. I used to have beautiful teeth. I recall meeting my radiation oncologist for the first time. He said,”You have such beautiful teeth.” Then I learned from another cancer patient that she lost all her teeth. I knew then that was to be my fate. Unfortunately it happens and the teeth decay, as did mine. I went through hyperbaric oxygen treatments and had them all removed. They were chipping and falling apart. It was horrible but I did what I had to. It prevented Osteoradionecrosis, and for that I’m grateful. I don’t believe there is any way to prevent this. I do believe that the degeneration of the jaw can be prevented. There is hope. The face and jaw don’t need to fall apart.


Age 59
DX SCC T3N1M0 R BOT 10/04 135lbs
TX Hemi-Gloss 11/04
MET Neck 12/04
TX 01/05 G-Tube,PortCath,6wks chem+6wks chem& IMRT,Max dose
06/05 RND,42 nodes 1 bad,All clear 120lbs
DX femoral hernia 09/09,repair 10/09 94lbs
HBO 11-12/10
11/10 All teeth out,05/11 dentures
DX hypothyroid,04/13
DX inguinal hernia,repair,04/15 127lbs
DX cachexia (CACS),03/16 98lbs
DX EPI, TX PERT,10/18 115lbs
DX RFS,11/18
DX iron deficiency anemia,02/19 118lbs
TX infusions,04-06/19 115lbs
DX calcified atheroma carotid