Geez , again, not meaning implnts but dentures for the end of that post. Forgive my mind. It hasn't had it's 1st caffiene yet.

Hi Margie

HBO Treatments are definitely worth looking into if you are having problems with your teeth due to radiotherapy. Most surgeons and dentists who treat cancer patients will highly recommend them.

I'm not sure exactly where you are located in Brisbane but they have a HBO Chamber in Greenslopes and also at the Wesley Hospital in Sandford.

If those locations aren't suitable it would be worth contacting the Wesley Hospital and they would be able to provide details of other hospitals that have HBO treatments.

If you get a referral from your surgeon or medical practictioner the cost will be covered by medicare at most hospitals. My private insurance covered all of my HBO treatments.

Hope this helps.

Karen

Many thanks Karen, I am in Salisbury on the south side and had all my treatment at the PA Hospital. I know the Greenslopes Hospital. It is just a matter of me getting off my butt and stop being so scared of seeing a dentist.

Hi Jim, I did not have any problems at all with my teeth pre cancer, they were white and straight and strong, I only had four removed for radiation now I think I wish I had had the lot out, as I would not be having this problem now.

Margie, did you look into HBO yet? Its something that will take a while to set up and then get the teeth done then more HBOs. Timing is important so make sure you check out HBO before you find the dentist. It will take arouond 2 months for the whole porcess. If your teeth are loose and bothering you, remember its a long process before they will be taken out.

My doc's are making me wait a minimum of 6 months before I can get fitted for dentures. Then a few more weeks til I finally can get them. Im hoping to have the dentures early next year at the latest.

Are you able to eat ok? I could barely eat due to the loose teeth. Hope yours arent that bad yet.

Christine, I asked my Oncologist about dentures, His answser wa, we'll disgus it at the next appty in 3 months LOL You might have to pt the steraks in the freezer for awhile longer. LOL Or else we'll buy fresh ones. I tried the surgeon today about teeth LOL he just laughed and said y ou just don't give up do you. They gave me Lyrica for my pain to try. So far it is junk ..I was told it would take a few days before it takes affect tho.

Christine, I will ask my docs on my next visit re HBO, it may help to save my teeth, but I doubt it after what my GP inferred ib my last visit. I have not been able to eat properly since my surgery and this got worse are radiation and now getting worse again from the loose and aching teeth, I am only having soups and creamy stuff. Because of my teeth but mainly because I have a lot of tissue damage and find it very difficult to swallow. They want my to have my throat stretched. Another question I have is that do any of you still get days where you are sick the same as with the chemo sickness. It happens to me once or twice a month. Plust I have the cataract problem, but as you all say Radiation is the gift that just keeps on giving.

Margie, how long ago did you have your treatments? I was sick like that for several months after I finished, only for a few hours or a day here and there. It may be due to your nutrition. If you arent properly getting a balanced diet, then your body cant fight off anything and becomes weak.

Specifically ask about what effect HBO will have on your vision. It can cause changes.

Margie,

Can you add dates to your signature so we can tell what your timelines are, for instance dx date, treatment dates, etc. (just look at Christine's or my signature) ?? That would help so much to get good answers to your questions.

Deb

Margie, the Drts made my decision for me about the teeth. They even made the appt. I had them out the 17th of Jan 2008 and began radiation the 21st or 22nd of Jan. THey hit me heavy with everything to be aggressive. I miss my teeth LOL I wonder if I will still like real food.