Hi Everyone,

My husband Ron had lazer surgery this past August on some small lesions in his mouth that biopsied positive for carcinoma. He needs to have some dental work (Bridge) done but his Dentists are hesitant because of the way his mouth looks inside. Now mind you, his Oncology Doc from UCLA has seen Ron twice since the surgery and is pleased with the way his mouth is healing, but he's getting conflicting info from his Dentists. They're concerned it's not healing quick enough,they are afraid the carcinoma is coming back...blah blah blah. In essence, they are challenging Ron's Oncologist opinion.

He's got a call into his Doctor at UCLA about this because he's not going to let anyone else touch him and he trusts him the most. My opinion is his Dentists aren't familiar with a radiated throat/mouth so they don't understand what they are seeing. I think Ron needs to find a dentist who has experience with oral cancer survivors and I wanted to get your thoughts? Has anyone else had this problem with their Dentist? What makes me mad is this is really upsetting Ron and I don't want him to end up with Shingles again because of the fear.

Thanks for any help you can give,

Shelley

I jus had this happen to me too. I had some sort of bumpy tecture on the roof of my mouth- I hadn't looked up ther ein a while. After another visit to a peridontist it was determined it was from dry mouth and radiation. The texture of our mouths looks different from other patients. My dentist was sweet about it but she did scare me.

I gues I just appreciate that she is being so thorough and watchful. Hopefully now that I've been using Biotene wash more regularly the bumps have started to go away.

I know how you feel though. You juts want to be taken care of like a normal patient and not have alarm bells go off everytime they see something unusual. The inside our mouths was completely friend during radiation so there are going to be unusual surfaces- but ti si good that they are being watchful because you can really never be too careful.

Does your hospital have dental oncologists? Mine has a dentistry department and I am taken care of there by their dentists. They've seen it all.. check and see if that's available. take care.

Thanks Kate and Cheryl! I just spoke to Ron and his Doctor at UCLA just called him. To be on the safe side he's going in next Thursday for a biopsy. You are so right Kate, one can never be too careful. Praying it's nothing....

Thanks,

Shelley

Hi Shelley,
How frustrating! I'm sorry you and Ron are going through this stuff.

J saw a dental oncologist right after he met his RO. The dental oncologist was going to be his dental care provider all the way through treatment and beyond. J thought she was good and so do I.

There is a big difference between DO's and regular dentists. They understand and can finely tune what is required pre-treatment, during treatment and post-treatment. Having a good DO can save a patient from going through preparation overkill such as unnecessary tooth extractions.

Ron's oncologist at UCLA can probably refer him to a good DO in your area so you don't have to worry about it in the future. But, I'll give you the number of J's if you want it. She's in Torrance.

I'll be keeping you and Ron in my thoughts and prayers!

Sandy
xoxox

Thanks Sandy! If we can't find a good DO in our area I will definitely be asking you for the number. My "gut" tells me he will be fine. I hate to say this but I think there are some bruised egos. There is this one dentist in Ron's dental group who has this major attitude and she's friends with the dentist at the UCLA school of dentistry. They both got angry that Ron went to his oncologist for the lazer surgery. Can you believe that?? And since this dentist forwarded her concern to Ron's oncologist, of course he's going to do a biopsy. It's his moral and ethical responsibility. I'm praying everything comes out negative. Thanks for the good wishes!

Hugs,

Shelley

Oh, the egos out there... J's RO was the worst I've ever run up against. Amazing and scary how offended he was when he found out we were seeking a second opinion. It is astounding that Ron's dentist and the UCLA dentist got their panties in a wad over Ron being treated by his oncologist. Doctors' with unchecked egos do so much damage.

Best of everything to you and Ron and prayers for all clear!