Need 7 teeth extracted following 1st FEC chemo infusion!

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QueenElizabethTheFaux
QueenElizabethTheFaux Member Posts: 41
edited February 2016 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

Please need advice ONLY from members here who have experienced this type of situation OR who are very, very knowledgeable about Oral Surgery during chemo. Thank you in advance!

Ok, I warned my Oncologist about my strong history of dental infections, broken teeth & previous extractions LONG before my first FEC chemo infusion.

He repeatedly assured me I didn't need to worry about getting dental infections during chemo...Said it was very "rare"

Unfortunately, I believed him.

4 days after FEC, on Feb 2016, I got the worst tooth infection of my life!

Saw an Oral Surgeon asap. X-rays showed a serious infection & the need for a total of 7 teeth extractions!

(I only have 14 teeth now & can't/shouldn't/don't wear my partial dentures.)

#1.) I'm extremely enraged at my Oncologist bcuz his RN just told me, "Oh, this happens to chemo patients all the time. I get dental calls every day about this sort of thing." (WHAT???)

2.) Am on antibiotics for it now, but my body/teeth may be resisting their effectiveness (due to my strong history of all kinds of infections during the past few months...& years.)

3.) Got blood work done late afternoon yesterday to make sure my "counts" are ok & the oral surgery can be done soon

4.) I personally know 2 people who have DIED within 24 hrs after multiple tooth extractions. They weren't even chemo patients!

5.) I don't trust that I'll be ok for this surgery. One RN friend told me that I definitely need an EKG, & written clearance from a Cardiologist, before this surgery...or I could die very quickly from an infection that may go directly into my heart. (Haven't talked to the Oncologist or Oral Surgeon about this yet...just their nurses. They've told me that's not necessary & I'll be "fine." Yeah right. My gut doesn't believe you...or my Oncologist anymore.)

So....Do any of you ladies have helpful experiences, &/or direct knowledge about this, to help me avoid dying from this unexpected procedure?

Thank you

QueenLizTheFaux Xoxox

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Comments

  • Meadow
    Meadow Member Posts: 2,007
    edited February 2016

    This is why you have a team of doctors...specialists in different studies. This is necessary to save your life. I am so sorry about your teeth. I too had concerns and asked about tooth loss. When our immune systems are attacked, like when in chemotherapy, many things can happen in the body. I really do not think you should blame your oncologist. And it is my understanding that all chemo patients have to be cleared by a cardiologist, I know I was. What would you have done differently with different knowledge? Again, I am so sorry about your teeth. But you can live without teeth,. Key word...LIVE. My best to you of course!

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  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited February 2016

    I would be furious as well. I hate chemo as a treatment, it might kill cancer cells but it can have really bad side effects. Since you are er/progesterone positive what about doing hormone therapy.

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  • QueenElizabethTheFaux
    QueenElizabethTheFaux Member Posts: 41
    edited February 2016

    Thank you both for taking the time to write back. I appreciate it. Xoxoxo

    PS....A Dr's "mistake" accidentally killed my Dad 19 yrs ago. That Dr was a Cardiologist & he was performing a very common procedure. He ignored my Dad's concerns & his plummeting vital signs. So, I do feel ustified in my anger & distrust towards my Dr. He ignored my concerns & previous medical history. My asap need for Oral Surgery during Chemo could kill me...or cause jaw bone necrosis.
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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited February 2016

    QueenETF, I had oral surgery while on Anastrazole -- 3 extractions at once in preparation for starting Xgeva -- teeth that had loosened due to past chemo and a subsequent fall that broke my jaw in two places and caused one to erupt and mess up the ones next to it. I then needed 1 more extraction a few months later while on Faslodex+Ibrance, before my onc and I felt safe adding Xgeva. So while I wasn't on chemo during those oral surgery episodes, reading your situation, I would ask the following questions. Why did those patients you mentioned die? Was it a reaction to a drug or a heart issue or an incompetent or unqualified dentist or something else? I would hope knowing their full stories would ease your mind and/or cause you to take extra measures to ensure your own safety. Also, do you have the very best oral surgeon in your area? Do you need a second opinion in view of the extent of what's been recommended -- if only to compare credentials, experience, etc., to feel confidant you have the best? Also, is it best to do all 7 at once, or possibly split them up over a few months? I have no idea -- just asking the question because 7 does seem like it would be a severe shock to your system.

    The only other question I would ask is, should you maybe look for a new onc? I don't like the misinformation you got from him, but more than that, I think you will always have a trust issue with him going forward, which can't be a good thing. Deanna


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  • QueenElizabethTheFaux
    QueenElizabethTheFaux Member Posts: 41
    edited February 2016

    Dlb823, Thank you, thank you! You've brought up more points I hadn't considered. I will do what you suggested.

    Also, 2 days ago I did call another Oncologist (at a highly rated Breast Cancer hospital) & am considering transferring there.

    Btw...He was my "2nd opinion" Oncologist. Fine man. But he wanted me to "stay put" bcuz 2 of his hospital's BC drugs weren't as effective as my current hospital's chemo & hormone drugs...by up to 1 or 2% each...for my BC type/stage.

    That equaled up to a 4% chance of non-recurrence and/or metastatic cancer. Took his advice. We never discussed teeth/infections issues tho, during the short consult.

    Ok, the infection pain is flaring up furiously again. Gotta go.

    Xoxoxo

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  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited February 2016

    I had my teeth cleaned today and dentist said I need a root canal. I am concerned I never had one before, my tooth feels fine but shows evidence on x-ray of nerve dying.

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  • isnogard
    isnogard Member Posts: 34
    edited February 2016

    Meow13, root canals are so easy. I had one two months ago and it was a piece of cake. You feel nothing. And it only took 45 min.It's actually a better experience than a filling. :)

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