Teeth and radiotherapy

I’m sad that you’re so sad.   It’s such a difficult time.  I’d phone the helpline on here, they’ll give you all the information and support that you so need.  I’m sure there will be others along shortly with other helpful suggestions for you.  When you’re diagnosed it all becomes all so overwhelming, sometimes it’s good just to do something nice for yourself.  A little walk in the fresh air is always good. 

I was told to get a dental check before I started treatment and had to have two teeth extracted. Not good just before Christmas! Dentist was aware of potential issues with bad teeth and chemo hence why he said to extract. Have tombe dentally fit. You will have to wait a fortnight minimum when you have had teeth extracted before you start treatment to allow for healing

Hi 

I had to have 4 back teeth extracted. I had had chemo and was just starting radiotherapy. I had stitches both sides at the top but it wasn't painful. They were loose and heavily filled. They took a while to heal and I had to wait a few months before getting a new plate as already had one with a couple of teeth on. I needed to get them sorted before I started taking Ibandronic acid meds. 

Try to sort one thing at a time. I have been through a divorce but luckily happily married again before I coped this lot.Get yourself well before you attempt relationship problems would be my advice my divorce was horrendous and took over two years. I know I would not have been strong enough to deal with all that while having treatment.

Others have said use the helpline and folk on here will help too.

You can do this and come out the other side all the stronger mentally for it. Hugs Jane x

• It’s so tough taking on board everything and a massive shock. Bisphosphonates strengthen your bones and lower the chance of it coming back in your bones too. But your teeth really need looking after well. Any dodgy teeth removed/ filled. A regular hygienist appointment. I go right before my bisphosphonate treatment for that and a dental check. You really don’t want the dental complications from bisphosphonates. They aren’t an issue for radiotherapy. The chemo risk is infection I guess but if your teeth are looked after now you won’t have that to worry about.
  
  
• I thought I’d be achy forever, but really I am not too bad one year out from treatment.
• and you could try cold capping to keep your hair. The cancer hair care website is great for info and advice on that. Your hair grows back faster after chemo with it.
• It is a lot to take on board. But it gets better once you get started with chemo. The fear is worse than reality.
• I found calling the Macmillan helpline really useful at this stage x

Good afternoon and sorry to hear about your dental issues.  It is a real pain and traumatic too.  Now that I look back to 2021 and early 2022 when I was going through breast cancer,, diagnosis and treatment my teeth acted up too.  Just a few weeks before my left breast lumpectomy I fractured the root of one tooth so had to have tooth extracted and bone graft done as wanted implant.  So then again a few months later just before surgery on other breast to get lumpectomy I fractured root of another tooth so same scenario.  I was upset but nothing I could do except be patient and wait for about a year to finally get my crowns.  Oh I am so happy now snd do feel blessed that all went well.  
I didn’t need chemo and that can take true grit but there is a lot of support here.  I did have radiation to both breasts and did fine.  I was worried as I am fair skinned and prone to eczema.  
I am sorry about the unhappy relationship as that is difficult for sure.  Don’t forget about getting professional help and talking with friends too. 
I also cried when my teeth acted up as it was just another thing to deal with.  
When you are all done with treatment and have your beautiful smile too oh happy day.  
Hugs to you .

Barbara

Thank you for this information it is helpful