I gave such a long post and it didn't make it so I will try again. Sorry.

You can start by calling Medicare and asking them, explaining it is a medical necessity to take care of the dental issues. If they want proof, the doctor will surely write a letter for your mother. Is/was your mother married to a veteran or retired military? Do you have a social worker on the care team? Tap into them and have them help you find assistance in all the areas you need it. Also, you may want to check with the local American Cancer Society chapter to see what they may be able to do to help.

My mother was terminally ill with ovarian cancer and I took off work to take care of her. Financially, I never have quite recovered and that was 2000. We found ways to get free bags of fluid for hydration, reduced rate for IV pumps, free supplies and Ensure, etc. I even found a Medicare HMO that covered the medicine and was free to join. They even had the exact same doctors and cancer center as she was using anyway. Their rationale is that if they can manage the care and help reduce excessive doctor visits, etc., everyone wins. They are contracted by the US Govt. There is not much they could cut back on in your mom's case.

I am sorry you have to travel such a rough road. This disease always affects the entire circle of family and friends and seems to be the disease that keeps on giving (or taking). Your mother is very fortunate to have you by her side through all of this and you are truly a special person for the role you are in.

Ed

SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0
Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation
Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03
Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11
Cervical Myelitis 09/12
Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12
Dysautonomia 11/12
Hospice care 09/12-01/13.
COPD 01/14
Intermittent CHF 6/15
Feeding tube NPO 03/16
VFI 12/2016
ORN 12/2017
Cardiac Event 06/2018
Bilateral VFI 01/2021
Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022
Bilateral VFI 05/2022
Total Laryngectomy 01/2023