Working my way from the last post, here is the latest and greatest:
Friday 5/6: I saw my radiation oncologist Dr Simko. Great session, lots and lots of info. The requirement for radiation is to deal with the remaining cancer cells that are at the microscopic level that could not be removed via surgery. Currently, the plan would be once a day, five days a week for six and a half weeks starting in about two to three weeks. I also was referred to a radiation dentist to deal with any dental issues prior to radiation.
Tuesday 5/10: Had my post-op with my surgeon Dr Sercarz at UCLA. Best news was that there was an addendum to the surgical report which showed me as testing positive for HPV. Tadaaa! This is big news because cancer patients that test positive for HPV are associated with positive therapeutic response and survival compared to those who test negative.
Next visit was to Dr Rodriguez who was approved as my Prosthodontist (specializing in head and neck anatomy) and treated me in anticipation of my radiation treatments. Wow, wow, wow. I had no idea how much radiation effects my teeth. i will now have them cleaned every three months for the rest of my life. I will have fluoride treatments for the rest of my life. I will work to not have cavities for the rest of my life. Lots and lots of for the rest of my life as my ability to heal from a dental issue will be greatly diminished. I had x-rays taken (digital for all you techno geeks), two sets of impressions, digital pictures and all I have to show for it is a sore mouth and jaw. But I am ready in record time for radiation.
Upcoming: An appointment with my medical oncologist to discuss the possibility of adding chemotherapy to my surgery and radiation treatments.
My journey continues....