Radiation & Teeth Hyperbaric Oxygen

Bunnymom

my treatment starts in June 8th. They are telling me it will be 5 days in patient, 9 days home which will repeat 4-6 times. I'm not sure which it will be but am hoping for 4 cycles.  So, total is 8-12 weeks. Chemo each day and if it's 4 cycles, rad 2x per day. If it's 6 cycles, its rads 1x per day. If I'm correct 30-40 rad treatments. Does that sound right? 40 sounds like so much from what I've read. 

 

Now that I've calmed down a little bit and am starting to accept the fact that I have to do this, I'm worried about my teeth. The rad dr did say that I might need hyperbaric oxygen for dental in the future. So I'm reading about that and am once again in tears. I've read that after a few years, your teeth can fall out or rot out. Then you have to have them ground down to stumps. Has this happened to anyone? Is it a given this will happen? Can your teeth be spared? My teeth are in very good condition now and I'm having the fluoride trays made. Do you have to always wear the trays after radiation? If not, how long?

 

This is all so distressing. Can you go back after all of this and be normal again? please help!

thank you

bm

 

KB56

Teeth

Bunnymom, I'm almost one year post treatment and have used a fluoride tray every night since I started this trip and my understanding us that I will use it forever.  It's really not a big deal and take about 10 minutes nightly so not life altering at all.  I do brush and floss multiple times a day and totally avoid all sodas (even sugar free due to the acid content)   i also go to the dentist quarterly now to stay on top of it.  

Keith

Bunnymom

KB56 said:

Teeth

Bunnymom, I'm almost one year post treatment and have used a fluoride tray every night since I started this trip and my understanding us that I will use it forever.  It's really not a big deal and take about 10 minutes nightly so not life altering at all.  I do brush and floss multiple times a day and totally avoid all sodas (even sugar free due to the acid content)   i also go to the dentist quarterly now to stay on top of it.  

Keith

Keith

thank you for posting information about your experience. I've worked hard to maintain my teeth in fact this is how the whole thing started for me (dentist missed it - long story). My teeth are in pretty good shape but I am going to a dentist next week to get the trays. 

My rad doctor said I might need HBO for dental work in the future. I don't know if this is part of the worst case seniero they have to say or if it's a reality. 

I didn't realize the trays take 10 minutes so that's a relief. I have no issues with brushing a lot since I do this anyway. I just don't want to loose my teeth down the road or more surgery for my jaw, etc. 

I also read your post to me on another thread and will send a PM. 

Thank you Keith. You've been a great help to me and I wish you all the best. 

 

 

Hondo

Hi BM

Don’t worry, I been through radiation treatment twice 10 years ago and still have all my teeth except one. Last year I had to have one tooth pulled and had to do HBO treatment, it was not bad I got to watch TV for the two hours treatment and it was over before I knew it. I did have to do 40 dives but hay I am still alive and still working and still enjoying life. So don’t let it be something to worry and keep you up at night, it is all part of your new normal

 

Hondo

Bunnymom

Hondo said:

Hi BM

Don’t worry, I been through radiation treatment twice 10 years ago and still have all my teeth except one. Last year I had to have one tooth pulled and had to do HBO treatment, it was not bad I got to watch TV for the two hours treatment and it was over before I knew it. I did have to do 40 dives but hay I am still alive and still working and still enjoying life. So don’t let it be something to worry and keep you up at night, it is all part of your new normal

 

Hondo

thank you Hondo. This makes

thank you Hondo. This makes me feel better. It seems you get the worst case senieros thrown at you and it's hard to take. 

my teeth are in good shape. I do have an implant on the rad side but rad dr said that's not a problem. The other teeth are good, no issues. 

Im going to a dentist who is going to make the floruide trays. I'm not a fan of floruide but I'm thinking the idea is not to swollow it. 

How do they do the HBO? How does that work? Why do they do it? I can't believe you did radiation twice. You are amazing. My radiation oncologist scared the bjeebers out of me when he told me you don't want to have radiation twice. I understand its pretty tricky. So you are an inspiration to me. 

Thank you so much for helping to alleviate some of my fears. 

BunnyMom

debbiejeanne

bm, my last rad tx was

bm, my last rad tx was 10/22/09 and i've had no problems with my teeth.  i think the doc just wants you to know that's a possiblity but not a given.  try not to worry.

dj

Bunnymom

debbiejeanne said:

bm, my last rad tx was

bm, my last rad tx was 10/22/09 and i've had no problems with my teeth.  i think the doc just wants you to know that's a possiblity but not a given.  try not to worry.

dj

thank you so much your

thank you so much your comments help me so much. 

 

Bm

CivilMatt

Rads & teeth

Bunnymom,

I am just over 2 years post from 35 rad treatments.  I had good teeth going in and I still have good teeth.  My rad onc required a call from my dentist prior to treatments.  I just came from a dental check-up 20 minutes ago and there were no issues, my teeth are still hanging in there.

I do brush and floss daily and carry floss picks in the car and at home and I use fluoride gel once in a while.   For better or for worse, I do not restrict what I eat or drink (my new taste buds do the restricting), I am just so happy to have enough taste to enjoy.  I buy small vanilla ice cream cones (often) as a gage to where my taster scale is.

I do take the teeth issues seriously, but I do cross into the danger zone for a bit of enjoyment.  I am still working on my “life priorities” list, it is something which some here seem to have achieved.

Try not to over think your life, this crap can pick on anyone.

Peace,

Matt

ratface

Rads and Hbo and Fluoride trays

So much to take in at one time. At least your Doctor is talking about it. I'm another 2009 grad from the club and I'm only missing one tooth.  If you need any extractions (wisdom teeth?) get them now and save yourself the HBO headaches, even then it's somewhat negotiable as my extraction was without HBO. Fluoride trays are pretty easy and I have been using them since 2009. Keep them in the bathroom and pop them in during your shower everyday. It comes in apple, mint, and orange to boot! Generally speaking I have seen the HPV folks get Rads in the mid 30-35 range and the sinners get the 38-40 range. I had 39.

Duggie88

Hi Bunny

I lost my four front bottom teeth due to radiation. I did the 6 weeks of Hyperbaric treatments and had them pulled. I guess I could have had them ground down without the treatments but was never told that or thought about it. I brushed with special prescription toothpaste and never used the trays and still had the problem 2 3/4 years after treatment I looked at it, better they rot above ground rather than below ground. One thing you have to realize is your new normal or what some call your new abi-normal. Don't let it get you down its not worth it. In my line of work I was embarrassed as hell losing 4 teeth and doing without for 4 months until I could wear a plate because I wasn't a candidate for implants because of the damage to my jaw bone from radiaition. I know it is different for Women or let me say I imagine it is different for women because most are more self concious of their appearance. (I learned that from my wife). I walked around for a few months and just told people I was an ex hockey player. I fought cancer and kicked some butt. It may have taken a few things from me but not the most important.

I have a grandoughter 6 now, she was 2 when I started my fight. She sits on my lap and eyes up my battle scar on a regular basis and is always asking me questions and every now and then thinks it is cool that I can pop my teeth out. I actaually lost one of my teeth when I was out to eat with her and the family while on vacation. Sad for me but interesting for her. It is what it is and I have no control over it so I will use it to mu advantage every time I can. Why??? Because I can.

Life is good..............no...............life is great.

 

Het Matt..........just a small cone of vanilla. We have to hook up for a large cone. After what we went through we deserve large.

      Jeff

Guzzle

Duggie88 said:

Hi Bunny

I lost my four front bottom teeth due to radiation. I did the 6 weeks of Hyperbaric treatments and had them pulled. I guess I could have had them ground down without the treatments but was never told that or thought about it. I brushed with special prescription toothpaste and never used the trays and still had the problem 2 3/4 years after treatment I looked at it, better they rot above ground rather than below ground. One thing you have to realize is your new normal or what some call your new abi-normal. Don't let it get you down its not worth it. In my line of work I was embarrassed as hell losing 4 teeth and doing without for 4 months until I could wear a plate because I wasn't a candidate for implants because of the damage to my jaw bone from radiaition. I know it is different for Women or let me say I imagine it is different for women because most are more self concious of their appearance. (I learned that from my wife). I walked around for a few months and just told people I was an ex hockey player. I fought cancer and kicked some butt. It may have taken a few things from me but not the most important.

I have a grandoughter 6 now, she was 2 when I started my fight. She sits on my lap and eyes up my battle scar on a regular basis and is always asking me questions and every now and then thinks it is cool that I can pop my teeth out. I actaually lost one of my teeth when I was out to eat with her and the family while on vacation. Sad for me but interesting for her. It is what it is and I have no control over it so I will use it to mu advantage every time I can. Why??? Because I can.

Life is good..............no...............life is great.

 

Het Matt..........just a small cone of vanilla. We have to hook up for a large cone. After what we went through we deserve large.

      Jeff

Teeth

Hi , Ive been given free prescription flueride toothpaste and mouthwash. Full dental health check prior to treatment ( some colleagues reckon they got the d and m mixed up). Any future dentistry to be run by a surgeon apart from routine polish etc. One tip I was given is that if you do eat anything sugary DONT brush immediately just swill with water and brush about 30 min later. I don't have much of a sweet tooth. More worried about losing spice tolerance! Good Luck, G.

donfoo

One step at a time...

Hi BunnyMom,

You are getting hit with so much your head is spinning and it all looks like a blender spinning around. What is very important right now is to focus on the most important issues not annd not worry about the million of things can could pop up later.

Of certainty to get through chemo and rads is to focus on three things once you get going. HYDRATION -- NUTRITION -- PAIN MANAGEMENT. The treatments are going to be tough on you and you really have to focus every day on these three basic things. You do this well and you will manage and be in the best shape to care for your child too. 

 

Things like flouride and ORN and teeth issues - please put them in a locked box for now. Good luck, Don

Bunnymom

donfoo said:

One step at a time...

Hi BunnyMom,

You are getting hit with so much your head is spinning and it all looks like a blender spinning around. What is very important right now is to focus on the most important issues not annd not worry about the million of things can could pop up later.

Of certainty to get through chemo and rads is to focus on three things once you get going. HYDRATION -- NUTRITION -- PAIN MANAGEMENT. The treatments are going to be tough on you and you really have to focus every day on these three basic things. You do this well and you will manage and be in the best shape to care for your child too. 

 

Things like flouride and ORN and teeth issues - please put them in a locked box for now. Good luck, Don

Good advice!

Don,

you're right. I am overwhelmed. I am just trying to prepare myself the best I can. Thanks for helping me stay focused. 

Did you have a feeding tube? I'm thinking if I can make it through this without one, that would be my goal. 

BunnyMom

 

Guzzle

Bunnymom said:

Good advice!

Don,

you're right. I am overwhelmed. I am just trying to prepare myself the best I can. Thanks for helping me stay focused. 

Did you have a feeding tube? I'm thinking if I can make it through this without one, that would be my goal. 

BunnyMom

 

Tube

BunnyM advice on feeding tube varies a lot. IM end week 3 with a bit of a sore throat but still eating well. My team have not fired a tube whereas others have had them and swear by them. I know Don ground out the treatment without one. Ask your team. Good Luck. G.

donfoo

Bunnymom said:

Good advice!

Don,

you're right. I am overwhelmed. I am just trying to prepare myself the best I can. Thanks for helping me stay focused. 

Did you have a feeding tube? I'm thinking if I can make it through this without one, that would be my goal. 

BunnyMom

 

It depends...

I used to be quite anti-PEG. Over time, my opinion on PEG like everything else related to cancer is it depends. Everyone loses weight so if the patient is very thin alread then a PEG may be needed. I had plenty of extra baggage so I got a free diet plan going without. I still have a real distaste for those who PEG-up early just because. If you need one get one. If you can tough it out without one and are willing and able to cope then defer it until you find you really need one. It is a very simple procedure and can be done anytime down the road. Good luck, Don

Guzzle

donfoo said:

It depends...

I used to be quite anti-PEG. Over time, my opinion on PEG like everything else related to cancer is it depends. Everyone loses weight so if the patient is very thin alread then a PEG may be needed. I had plenty of extra baggage so I got a free diet plan going without. I still have a real distaste for those who PEG-up early just because. If you need one get one. If you can tough it out without one and are willing and able to cope then defer it until you find you really need one. It is a very simple procedure and can be done anytime down the road. Good luck, Don

NG tube

BunnyM, the alternative for a short term nutritional fix if needed is a nasal feeding tube. That is the plan b for me! The disadavantage is that here its an in patient job although some facilities to let you go home with them. Don good to hear from you mate. G.