Treatments and Surgery for Deb Grant

Dear Beloved Friends, Family, Community,

I want to update you on what is currently happening with my dental/health issues. I also want to convey my deepest gratitude for your continued financial support/donations that are a significant help with all the treatments I am receiving at this time.

6 months ago I was planning on a root canal. I have seen 3 endodontists, 2 oral surgeons and several dentists. It was determined that the root canal would not be effective, and the plan was then to extract the tooth. Over the last several months, I have met with 2 oral surgeons, and the extraction of teeth is extremely complicated due to the background of high radiation.

There is no great viable solution due to being "high risk" for Osteoradiocronosis ( tissue and exposed bone not healing and then increased concern for jaw deterioration and possible reconstructive surgery.

So... I am holding off on extractions for now and I'm going to do

IV ozone treatments to lessen pain and infection and I am working with other practitioners to help with decreasing pain and tightness of jaw. These treatments are not covered by insurance and I am still out of work on short-term disability. I'm doing my best at trying to manage chronic pain & infection, by doing alternative treatments, without doing invasive surgery. Trying to do all that I can to stay healthy, hopeful, and positive, during this really difficult time.

Thank you so very much for reading this. Any financial support/donation is welcome. If unable to contribute, I welcome your prayers, love & blessings. Deb

Original posting:

Most of you know my story and the long relationship I’ve had with cancer. 3 ½ years ago, I underwent a radical tongue surgery after my 3rd cancer diagnosis. So many of you were incredibly generous at that time and I’m so grateful for all of the love and support I received from all of you.

As a result of the extensive radiation I had after my first cancer treatment 20 years ago, I have been dealing with chronic infections in my teeth, gum and jaw bone. For so long, I’ve felt discouraged and hopeless, as every specialist I’ve seen felt that there was nothing that could be done. They all felt that surgery was too risky. 

Recently, I found an oral surgeon and an integrative functional dentist and MD who can help me. I am going to start a protocol of 40 treatments of hyperbaric oxygen. Hyperbaric Oxygen treatments are what makes the extractions and healing of jaw bone possible. 

I’ll be going for these treatments 4 days a week for about two months, than will have the extractions and then another two weeks of treatments. For the first time in many years, I feel hopeful that I’m going to get some pain relief and healing of jaw bone. I'm excited and nervous. 

Unfortunately, I’m going to be out of work for 2-3 months and sadly, insurance does not cover the cost of the surgery. I'm not so great at asking for ask for help, and I'm doing it!! Any amount donated would be so very appreciated.

I can’t thank you enough for helping me in this next part of my healing journey.

9/21 Update

Quick update: Just finished my first week of Hyperbaric treatments. i have, 35 to go!  Dr says that he thinks that they will help with return of saliva and more movement of tongue and even possible to get implants down the road, which i have never heard before.   I am so happy to finally be on this part of healing journey.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and donating any amount that is possible.

Many blessings,

Deb