Osteoperosis in my jaw D/T chemo!

[Terry]

So, I've been having problems with teeth pain, mouth pain etc. Found out part of it was a sinus infection which I would have figured out if it hadn't started right after chemo #2. So with antibiotics and MORE steroids:) that's better. Went to the dentist today to have a tooth filled and mentioned an area in the back on the inside of my gum that feels like roots of a tooth were coming through. He took an xray and didn't like what he saw. He thinks I am getting osteoperosis in my jaw from one of the chemo drugs. He said he could file it down (sharp in two spots and hurt) but wants to check with an oral surgeon and see if the should just pull the tooth because the roots are there. Just what I need. I wonder how many wide effects these chemo have that we don't even know about. He said he's never seen this accept in cases where they've already extracted a tooth.

Anyway, everyone keep an eye on your teeth. If you think somethings not right, it might not be.

[JAZZToo]

Terry

Are you also taking Fosamex or any other biphosphonate to strengthen your bones? Fosamex has been found in some people to cause osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). Most reported cases of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis have been in cancer patients treated with intravenous bisphosphonates, but some have occurred in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Known risk factors for osteonecrosis include a diagnosis of cancer, concomitant therapies (e.g., chemotherapy, radiotherapy, corticosteroids), poor oral hygiene, and co-morbid disorders (e.g., pre-existing dental disease, anemia, coagulopathy, infection).

JAZZtoo

[Terry]

No, I don't, I was actually thinking fosamax might be something that would help. I guess not. I don't have poor oral hygiene, I 've had very few dental problems up until now. I'm trying to look up and see if any of the chemos have this side effect.

Thanks for your input!:)

[MonaL]

Have you by chance been on a proton pump inhibitor to reduce stomach acid?

[Terry]

No, not inhibitors. I'm a little worried.

[dianne052506]

This all brings up a question. If you need dental work like a root canal, what if you are taking Avastin? Do you have to be off that?
Dianne

[Lifes2short]

Terry, talk to your Onc before having a tooth extraction or any major dental work. If you're on Avastin you have to worry about bleeding.

[Terry]

Yes you do have to talk to your doctor before having the dentist do anything. Mine made me have blood work the day before and premeds (abx). Now if I have to have an extraction I don't know what he'll do. I do notice I have more bruising since being on the Avastin.

[Terry]

I'm starting to freak out now. I read that fluoracil (5FU) can cause bone loss. My Xeloda turns into 5FU, what happens if I can't take it anymore? It seems like everyone takes either 5FU or Xeloda. This has me very worried. Someone tell me I'm worrying for nothing!

[Lifes2short]

It's common to be put on Zomeda or somthing like that if you have bone loss. (or bone mets). This will help offset the effects of the 5fu. But make sure you get your dentist stuff out of the way before starting Zomeda - they warn not to have any invasive dental work while on that med.

[Terry]

Yeah, I was reading up on the Zomeda. Oh Lord don't even mention bone mets! I don't know what's going on, now my right foot and leg are pitting edema, I'm a mess this weekend. Plus my husband and brother got into a big fight. I can't wait to see the doc on Monday and find out what's happening. I know, I'm probably just being a hypochondriac (and that's not like me)!

[dianne052506]

Also consider, if you are on chemo, should you have a prophylactic antibiotic before any dental procedure.

[Terry]

Yeah, he had to fill one tooth that I lost a filling out of and he gave me abx prophylacticlly. I'm feeling better today, I think this family thing is making me more upset about everything. Anyway, tomorrow I see the onc. I have a feeling no chemo because I need to have the tooth pulled where the bone is deteriorating.

[Debbiebale]

Terry: Stress can cause jaw pain too, think about it, you might be clenching your jar and teeth without realizing it. Don't worry about your hubby and brother, worry about you and take care of you. Tell the "boys" to grow up.

Debbie in Jax