Advised to do dental work before radiation

Posted by lilyann @lilyann, Sep 13 4:25pm

we had a meeting with the radiation dept. they said it was best to do any dental work before radiation. so off to the dentist and the oral surgeon says not to do any radiation until he sees me again and checks the gums of the pulled teeth. 3-4 weeks. so called radiation to tell them and cancel appt. they wanted to start radiation a week from the teeth being pulled. oncologist says one week i would be ok too. thing is, i have a few more loose teeth that needs to be done. so, radiation people were not happy with us and wanted us in on another consultation on a day i have a pet scan. being on up in age and all these appt's and teeth being pulled, they must think we have all kinds of energy, and up to all their visits. laying on hard tables and sticking needles here and there. a lot to handle for an octogenarian (super elderly), i learned those words when they done the first 2 surgeries on me for my thyroid cancer. the lump in my neck was the size of an orange, but the surgeon said i would need 2 surgeries to fix my vocal chords. one was paralyzed. that was back in jan. 2023. so here i am just bearly with a voice at all. radiation is mad at me. what's an elderly person suppose to do. jump when they say jump. believe you me, the thought of more teeth being pulled is not my cup of tea, i blame that on the radiation pills which was suppose to kill the remaining cancer cells from the operation. i know a lot of you are going through much worst and for that i am praying for all. just wanted to see if any one else has to hold off on any medical treatments? rant over.

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sepdvm | Sep 16 11:40am

@lilyann i think a rant is well deserved at this point. If radiation is considered curative then I might listen to the oncologists and try to get radiation started asap. Otherwise I would finish with the oral surgeon and extractions and healing time before beginning. You know how you feel and going into oral radiation you need to have some strength in reserve. You will have side effects to deal with that will also drain your energy. I did not need extractions prior to radiation so no delay after my surgery, 5 weeks later radiation plus chemo started. Be strong and do what your body tells you.

mikecarroll1937 | @mikecarroll1937 | Sep 17 8:46am

Wow, sorry to hear about your
problems, I’m 87 and oncologist wanted to start radiation March 3, 2024 but oral surgeon convinced me to do extractions first which I did March 4,2024. Radiation started April 4, 2024 for 35 treatments and so far am comfortable with decision to wait a month. Oncologist was okay with delay. Stay strong, I know you will make the right decision for you. Sending prayers for you.

lilyann | @lilyann | Sep 26 8:24am

hi mikecarroll1937, lilyann here. are your radiations treatments done? please let us know how you are doing. i am 16 days from having the extractions and still not feeling well, seems like little bumps in my mouth, gums still sore. so glad i cancelled radiation. i have taken the antibiotics and all. not a pain pill taker. praying for your recovery

mikecarroll1937 | @mikecarroll1937 | Sep 28 8:32am

Hi Lilyann. Finished radiation and chemo May 22, 2024.
My cancer team tells me the latest PET September 3 reveals me to be cancer free.
Your dentist will take care of those gum bumps once your
treatment is finished. Hopefully your pain is a lot less. Let me know how you are doing after your treatments so I can share what side affects you are experiencing.
Sending prayers for you. You can do this. This group will help you.