Amy's Cancer Story

After, my chemo was completed the first time in July 2006, I went to the dentist to get my cleaning.  So to my disappointment, I had my first cavity.  I was shocked and kind of a little upset.  I always took very good care of my teeth.  But then I thought to myself, ” hey this really is not so bad.  I don’t have cancer anymore, I have my leg and this is just really nothing.”  Being in bed so much without my normal tooth care routine and the tough chemicals highly likely contributed to the cavity and maybe even the age thing.

So I got it filled right away and nothing was said again until last month when I had gotten a cleaning.  At that point, my cancer had not been confirmed.  I had gone to my dentist at his new office.  He had opened his own office after working at a large office with many dentists.  He found on my routine x-rays that the cavity he filled in the fall of 2006 had started to decay under the filling.  I could to not believe it.  I really know nothing about cavities and fillings so I did not know what to think.  After speaking to the dentist, he informed me that the place he used to work at used products that were not that high in quality.  He did a lot of research and does things totally different at his new office.  He uses the best and spends more time with the patient.  The service has been so much better.  He is able to focus more on the patient and he actually remembers what I do for a living when I come in now.

My oncologists’ office informed me that I should get the filling taken care of before going on chemo, or I could have a high risk of infection.  So lucky me, they got me in today.  After he was done, I queried the dentist more about why this happened.  It had only been three years.  Generally, a filling should not have to be replaced for 7 or 8 years.  I ask him how you would know if cheaper products were being used.  He basically said the major chains tend to have that kind of service and product.  I really had no idea and was happy to hear that this one should last 7-8 years.  It also matches my teeth this time.  You cannot even tell.

So basically if you ever have to go through chemo or if you have a friend or family member that is going through this, don’t neglect tooth care.  It will save you more headaches with what you already have to go through.  Unless you don’t mind.

. . . . And ladies don’t be passive about mammograms . . . Please . .  the in-home nurse who came to my house after surgery this month said his wife had breast cancer in her early 20’s.  I hope it would never happen to you, but you never know.  It is better to be safe than sorry.  For the people I know personally reading this, I do want you around.  It would break my heart to loose a friend.  Take care . . .