Visiting the dentist

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Ginkgo
Ginkgo Member Posts: 13 Member
edited April 2018 in Anal Cancer #1

How much information about cancer treatment do you have to give your dentist/hygienist?  I suppose I have to tell them I had chemo because of the mouth sores.  But more details??  I hope not!  what have your experiences been going to the dentist or other non-cancer medical folks  like eye doctors, physical therapists (not for pelvic therapy), dermatologists, GPs, Urgent Care, etc., etc.  Actually, except for the dentist, my entire health care system is on electronic charting, so all will see, first thing, when they check my record:  ANAL CANCER.  So, I hope I don't get sick in any other part of my body, because those visits aren't gonna happen!

 

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  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #2
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    Ginkgo...

    Hi...

    I am so lucky because even my dental clinic is a branch of my healthcare system so I and my history are ALL in their electronic file. When I first went to the dentist after my initial treatment I was having some serious issues partly as a result of the toll chemo had taken on my teeth. I remember when talking about it (and in a few other situations) saying "lower colon cancer" as technically that sort of describes the location, lol. That was 7 years ago and now, if needed, I am more than comfortable saying anal cancer. 

    I feel it is important to say it with ease in order to erase the stigma that may (or may not) be associated with this cancer. Feel free to steal my "lower colon" explanation for as long as you need. I bet it won't be long and you'll see that most people react to the word "cancer" more than the adjective before it!

    Dental care is very important during this time, and most dentists these days also check for oral cancer signs during their exam. Don't worry, they won't usually have time to ask about many details anyway. Good luck...and keep moving forward!

    katheryn

  • Mollymaude
    Mollymaude Member Posts: 431 Member
    #3
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    Ginkgo

    I am still not comfortable saying anal cancer. I usually say GI or colon which is close enough for noN medical people.As far as medical people go I wouldn't worry too much about your chart having "anal cancer" all over it. Number one I didn't find medical staff to act like there was a stigma and number two not as many people pay close attention to all the diagnosis' as you think. All the dentist needs to know is that you had chemo. Mine never asked me a thing about it. As a side note I was told not to floss during treatment - I suppose for fear you might get bacteria in your bloodstream. I couldn't stand not flossing so I went ahead and did it anyway. 

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