Botox and Teeth

 

Hello February! Januarys MRI came back with no change, which is excellent. When I first
started this journey last year, there had been significant growth between the first MRI and the second. As radiation finished, we continued to see some slight shrinkage or clearer margins. Even though this MRI showed no change, it was still exactly what the doctor was hoping to see. ‘’Congratulations! You’ve finished this chemo cycle and are now in the surveillance period. No treatment for now, just regular MRI’s. As soon as we see something we don’t like the looks of, we will discuss what the next cycle of treatment will look like. But for now, enjoy the time you have.”

So I did exactly what I said I was going to do. As each day passes I am feeling more and more like myself. I went back to a Mohawk hairstyle. I promised myself I would spend more time in the kitchen, and if you watch my facebook or snap chat, you will see what I am doing just that. And my skills are only getting better. I’m leaving the house more, getting involved in Natalie’s cheerleading again, spending more time with my kids and more one on one time with my husband. This last year has really shaped our marriage in a different light and I am so grateful that he’s been here 187% because I could not have gotten through this last year without him.

On February 1st, I had an appointment with my Neurologist. Hands down my favourite specialist doctor, and trust me, after skin, breast and brain cancer, I’ve had a lot of specialists. Dr. L was checking in with us about my eye. This whole mess started because of my eye. When we first noticed something was wrong, it was because my left eye had swelled almost completely shut and the left side of my mouth was being pulled back from nerve spasms. He felt like the best course of treatment would be Botox. Highly sceptical, I still had some mad trust for this doctor. I listened to him and got it put in several points around my eye and my mouth, including the migraine spot. Within days my eye was more open. After a week, I was in tears with how “normal” it looked. I’m highly self conscious and couldn’t exactly hide my eye behind a mask. I will now be having Botox injections every 3 months, because not only did it help me look better, but I also can see a bit better too. And I’m now allowed to drive again.

My eye wasn’t the only thing that was affected from brain cancer treatment. My teeth were already in a bit of a state from my bipolar medications. They are extremely hard on your teeth. Throw 7 1/2 weeks of radiation aimed at my head, and I had fillings popping out and teeth breaking like crazy. Eating has been difficult but I’ve been making it work. Before Christmas, my mother and I had consulted with a denturist and our family dentist. I was quoted $12,000 - $15,000 for all of the work. Payment plans are not an option. Who the hell has that kind of money sitting around?! So I spoke with our cancer social worker. It was such a grey area for coverage. MSI says it covers any work that needs to be done to head or neck for patients with cancer in their head or neck, but will only cover dental work if you have oral cancer. Stupid right?

I then met with a dentist in the city who works with cancer patients. Unfortunately she was not able to take me on as she was way behind schedule, but she did refer us to a program through Dalhousie Dentistry School. When it was finally time for the appointment, we honestly weren’t all that hopeful. Every turn we had taken made us feel like this was something that would have to keep getting pushed off for a long time. We met with the dental assistant and explained our situation. She didn’t seem as hopeful as I would’ve liked but she was still very friendly. She took all of our information to the resident on my case.

When the resident finally came in, we still were not overly hopeful. He was a nice dentist who had already taken my file and got to work. He talked to us a bit about our situation and before we had a chance to go much further, he told us he had enrolled me into a program that covers everything 100%. I go to the VG for my extractions and within 2-6 months after that, Dalhousie Dentistry will have made my dentures. There were many tears after hearing that. Jake and I both cried, as did the resident. I cried on and off for at least an hour on the way home. It will be a bit of time yet to get the process going but I am feeling so incredibly blessed. This was our last resort and someone finally wanted to help us.

So far 2024 is treating me far better than 2023. If this is how it’s starting, I’m excited to see what’s to come. 

Peace and love.

Riley