OSTEONECROSIS TWO YEARS AFTER RADIOTHERAPY

I finished Radio at the end of February 2024. The lesions were inside my right cheek. I had extractions of my upper left and right rear molars AFTER the radio and was prescribed antibiotics as a precaution. The right hand socket did not heal quickly and it was only about 8 months ago that it was decided at the hospital that I could cease the antibiotics.

I've never been given the "all clear" as such but the last appt with the consultant repeated all the previous ones in saying "no evidence of necrosis".

I was a happy bunny at that point.

Two months ago I had sudden (not severe but concerning) bleeding from the site of this extraction over three days but it responded quickly to antibiotics and a strong mouthwash, and no apparent problems since. 

Some months ago I felt what I though was a bit of something hard in the socket but it seemed to disappear after a few weeks. I now assume it was a bit of bone, No pain anywhere at all since the effects of radiotherapy wore off.

However, two weeks ago I went for my regular check up with my own dentist and he spotted something inside my cheek, between the socket of the removed molar and the site of the original upper cancerous lesion. As a result he took x-rays and was worried about the apparent decaying of bone above the removed molar on that side. He therefore recommended me to get in touch urgently with my oncologist and I have an appointment for this coming Thursday.

I am naturally terrified that this either signals the return of the cancer, or is connected with radionecrosis or similar and the very limited options (some of which sound horrendous).

I know I have to just wait and see but wonder if anyone has any words of hope?

Just to add to my woes, my husband has developed mobility problems as a result of a significant worsening of his Peripheral Neuropathy and is undergoing tests for Parkinsons. He has been fairly immobile for 8 months but is now having regular physio at home and is now at least able to get out of bed (aided) and into a wheelchair, but we have carers coming four times daily (£1200 a week!) to help mobilise him. Basically I am saying that he has been my priority for all that time and I have neglected myself, which has included my oral hygiene. Obviously he will not be able to come to next week's appointment with me nor accompany me to any of the scans etc I might need and I am SCARED.

I am no spring chicken either at 75, but pretty fit and able otherwise and I desperately want to live to see my new grandchild born next week to my daughter who is 44. It's her first baby after FIVE expensive goes at IVF and I'd like to see it grow up a bit before I leave this mortal coil.

Trying to be positive - but I'm not.

MAD MEG