Radiation & Teeth Hyperbaric Oxygen

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

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

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,

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

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

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 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

 

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 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

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.