Adding dental insult to medical injury.

[Anonymous]

Arg! Just venting.

20 years ago, I found myself with stage 4 oral cancer. It was in my right tonsil. 42 radiation treatments, chemo and a radical dissection of my right neck and it was cured. That was the good news. The bad news for that was the radiation severely damaged my jaw. But fo 20 years, no big deal.

Spring of 2023, I find the cancer has come back. Due to the length of time, though, it is not considered a recurrence. Since I have already had my "lifetime limit" of radiation, surgery was the only option. But this time, the cancer came back in the case of my tongue and in part of the epiglottis. I wasn't really planning on eating or drinking or speaking again. I did have 2 brilliant surgeons who pretty miraculously cut it out an reconstructed my throat, tongue and jaw so I can still eat, drink and speak. Obviously, I am not unhappy about that result at all.

The problem is that now there have been enough physical changes to my mouth that it requires dental reconstruction. 30-60 thousand dollars worth of reconstruction of which none will be covered by insurance despite being a result of cancer and the treatment. Cancer continues to suck.

[Anonymous]

I’m am very sorry. That must have been so disheartening to hear. Insurance companies suck, too. To pretend that this dental work is cosmetic vs. medically necessary should be a crime.

[Anonymous]

Maybe involve your congressperson to fight the insurance company.

[Anonymous]

Most medical insurances aren't going to cover dental reconstruction. A broken jaw, or a free flap, yes.
Maybe go through one of the dental chains which offer payment plans?

[Anonymous]

I think you should consider Thailand or Turkey.
Vacation and dental work.

[Anonymous]

Would you consider seeking treatment at a dental school if a professor would do the work?

I would look into that given this cost burden.

Also I have heard of people who negotiate with dentists directly for lower rates. This will probably be an oral surgeon, correct?

If you have a doctor or dentist you like and trust, ask them if they have ideas. Some of the best referrals we've gotten have come through personal conversations during appointments (not at the check-out desk).

I'm so sorry for your situation.

[Anonymous]

OP, contact the U MD dental school. It’s a very good school and they may be able to do some of the work for way way less. I know others who have gone to them for care.

[Anonymous]

It’s a miracle you are alive after 2 rounds of this type of cancer. And an even bigger morale that you can eat, talk, and breath through a normal airway. Don’t let the dental cost get you down. Take out a loan if you need to. Get your dental work done and enjoy what life is left to the fullest. This is nothing compared to
What you’re been through

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the responses. I really just wanted a place to vent as it really is an added insult. And yes, the work will be done.

To those suggesting that I go to a dental school, lower cost clinic or overseas treatment, it really isn't a good option. The dental work for people who have had radiation or are undergoing radiation is extremely specialized. When I first started this journey through cancer 20 years ago, there were only about a half dozen dentists in the US that the CCCs referred head and neck cancer patients to. And one is here in the DC area. While I also advocate for trying to find lower cost care, including overseas resources (Brazil tops the list for cheap and very high quality dental care), it just isn't a great idea.

The thing that is really annoying is that insurance coverage has changed. 20 years ago, they covered this. about 10 years ago they began changing and would cover these treatments about 50% of the time. Now, it is just extremely unlikely. And that applies even though I have what most people consider to be a super-platinum plan that I have had for 25 years.

Like I said, just venting. 30k on top of everything is just an insult.