#90939 03-01-2009 11:03 PM | Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 148 Senior Member (100+ posts) | OP  Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 148 | Hi again I know this is most likely the wrong place to be but I can't sleep. I am so nervous.On the 5th of March I have to have my remaining teeth pulled. Normally that wouldn't scare me, however My old dentist told me that because my mouth was so dry my teeth rotted at the gum line and could snap off. But when I first started going to him he told me that I could end up in Atlanta in a bubble if I have them removed. He said due to infection.That was in 2007. Now,2009, he was going to pull them hisself but I couldn't pay for him to do it. I am going through a charity of sorts, a wonderful church is paying for them to be removed, but with a dentist they use, which I know of him here in Columbus but never went to him. Should I be afraid that I will end up in Atlanta in a bubble? How can my gums heal if I have no saliva? Brenda
49 years young 9/2007 Squamous Cell Carcinoma 33 rad treatments. One year later, 9/17/2008 50 years old through the Grace of God. last check up all clear. Living life as it comes to me.
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 71 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | | Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 71 | I was told that it is not a good idea to pull teeth after you have radiation to the oral cavity. Yes that is truth you could end up in a Hyperbaric Chamber and that is very very costly. I was told that if I kept my teeth that if I had cavities that they would grind down my teeth and if the teeth were bad that they would remove them but it was a real good chance I would have to be in a Huperbaric Chamber for several weeks, every day. I would suggest you go back to your Radiation Oncologist doctor and ask him. I had problems with cavities all my life and my RO/ ENT and dentist all three agreed to have all my teeth pulled before radiation began. So yes you should be afraid until you have more information. 2nd 3rd opinions !!!
Tammy 43 yr non smoker- Dx-10/11/07 Stage 4 Tongue Cancer Surg.10/17/07, 1/4 Tongue and 14 Lymph nodes 5 positive, Peg tube/Chemo port,Chemo 3 wks/Radiation 6 wks begins 11/07 end 02/08.Teeth removed prior to radiation. PetScan 05/08 CLEAR 09/09. 2011 diag. w/osteoradionecrosis.100 HBO's
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | The hyperbaric chamber is nothing to be afraid of. It will help to prevent whats called ostioradionecrosis which is your jaw bone dying from lack of oxygen and it wont heal properly. Anyone who has gone thru radiation for oral cancer should be having 20 hyperbaric oxygen treatments (HBO) before a dental procedure (tooth extraction)and 10 afterward. I think its called the Mark's Protocal or something similar.
HBO is easy to do, as long as you can swallow properly to clear your ears like scuba diving, its a snap. Try typing in the search bar either here on on the main pages HBO or hyperbaric oxygen. You will be surprised at how much good factual info is here about it.
Im scheduled for teeth to be removed tomorrow and have done 20 HBO recently. Previously I had 55 dives due to lack of healing and Im scheduled to do 10 following my procedure. Without HBO, you could be facing some serious problems like facial reconstruction using a bone from your leg. Do not attempt this dental procedure without HBO.
Just because its free doesnt mean its good. You need a second opinion immediately!!!!
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  | | | | | Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 489 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 489 | Brenda,
Please find someone that is experienced with patients that have had oral cancer before you do this. Worse than having your jaw replaced, this infection could take your life after you have fought so hard against the cancer.
Christine - I will be thinking of you tomorrow. Please let us know how you are doing as soon as you feel like it.
Patty
48
SCC Floor of Mouth 7/06
9/06 Surgery, bilateral neck dissection, 58 nodes clear PT2pN0pMx
35 rad 2006
Recurred 6/08, 1 Carboplatin, 1 Cisplatin
Surgery 9/08 - Total glossectomy, free flap from pectoral muscle, left mandible replaced using fibula
35 IMRT & Erbitux 11/08
4/15/09 recurrence
6/1/09 passed away, rest in peace
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Right on Christine. Post when you are up to it or get someone to post for you. Just remember I was toothless 1st. LOLBy the way the Maple Praline syrup is very good even if it does burn a little. I'll try the roasted pecan next.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Brenda I sure hope you have read the replies to your post. If you go thru with this surgery before doing HBO, it could be very dangerous. Please reconsider your options and get another opinion. Post an update about your decision. Jim, you try out those syrups for me, it may be a while before I am able to eat the pancakes again. You need them more than me anyway, eat lots and put on a couple pounds Patty, thanks for the well wishes. Im scared, but I know it will be ok. The end is in sight after almost 2 years.
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 | | | | | Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 148 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | OP Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 148 | Hi Christine, yeah I know that free doesn't mean good. The dentist that the church is sending me to is an oral surgon who will also do the biopsy on my gum. I needed to be armed with satisfactory questions for him so tha I don't end up in worst shape then I am. I knew that if I came here I could find out what questions to ask. So yes I will get more advise from other drs. Especailly mt ro dr. Good luck with ytour procedure tomorrow. I will be looking for your post again. Thanks for the input, it helps, I have said it before and I will say it again, I love this site. The people are great. Thanks again, Brenda
49 years young 9/2007 Squamous Cell Carcinoma 33 rad treatments. One year later, 9/17/2008 50 years old through the Grace of God. last check up all clear. Living life as it comes to me.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 148 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | OP Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 148 | Even though its been a year?? I am so scared right now I may not even go to that appointment. I am so close to tears right now because I don't know what to do. I have no job, I was laid off due to the fact I couldn't do my job. I have lost so much weight and am so weak I stay tired so yeah I think that unless I talk to another dentist I am not going to have them pulled. I mean I can't get on medicade even. I know you need not to hear a bunch of boohoo right now so I will stop here but I will keep you in my prayers!!!!
49 years young 9/2007 Squamous Cell Carcinoma 33 rad treatments. One year later, 9/17/2008 50 years old through the Grace of God. last check up all clear. Living life as it comes to me.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | You bring all of the boo hoo on here you want. We are here to assist not condemn. We all bring our troubles here if for no other reason than to get some encouragement from others that are in the same boat as we are. We can all post mediocre but to us it's important so you go for it Lepreckaun and we'll listen and answer.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Brenda, glad you have thought abotu this in more detail. Get other opinions and specifically ask about HBO
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 | | |
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