Still petrified.

[kimbo57]

Thankyou so very much for the lovely replies. As expected, scan showed increase in size of nodes, so more chemo in 3weeks time. I did notice that the staff on day unit are only wearing masks, no shields, which i was surprised to see, when i was having port flush yesterday. Now i have another dilemma, which is worrying me so much. I have lost a filling in a tooth and oncologist says i should see my dentist before i start chemo. As expected, i am so scared to go with this virus that seems to be taking over everywhere. The fact that I've managed to stay in and safe since last March and now have to risk going to have treatment in my mouth, is freaking me out. Just wondered if anyone out there has had to have dental treatment recently and did you feel safe? Can't cope with all this worry. I'm so scared of everything.

[Pianoplayer731021]

Hi Kimbo, you should go the dentist before that tooth gets worse. I went to the dentist when I was doing chemo and it was ok. I know that we worry about everything, but just try and relax and do what your oncologist says. I’ve been out and about once in awhile, but I use common sense about the virus. Keep your hands clean and your mask should protect you too. I just try and keep as calm as possible. Take some deep breaths, because we tend to shallow breathe. Good luck and hope things turn out good for you. 😊 Donna

[Heidels]

I have had two visits to my dentist for filling restore. He wore a mask, place is clean, I felt fine and wasnt worried at all.

[Newbie_2020]

This is something you have to hopefully deal with and before it escalates and it may get worse. Dentists are fully aware of the current situation and will not put you or put themselves under any risk of catching or passing the virus.

I've had a dental treatment/filling between chemos and it was immediately when dentists started seeing patients after the first lock down.

The dentists where I go have been keeping a gap between appointments which is enough to fully clean all the room and equipments of course, between patients. This process has limited the number of patients they normally see and were only seeing emergencies.

The other thing was, as many dentists are doing now, they added to the bill the cost of the PPE that the dentist and his assistant used during my treatment.

[Gemimablackvelvet]

I completely

[Gemimablackvelvet]

I completely empathise with your anxiety. I have been receiving chemo and Parps for over 2 years now and haven’t been able to go to the dentist. I have a very a swollen/painful wisdom tooth that needs to come out. It gets worse every day but I’m scared too. My daughter and grandchild have both been lately and have assured me the dentists are extremely safe. I’m not much help to you except to say you can be extremely safe from the virus at the dentist. I can’t even tell you not to worry because I’m like you but I know I’ll have to go sometime soon.

Love from Angela x

[Ruebacelle]

I had to have back molar pulled. Instead if leaving the clot to heal itself she packed a collagen sponge then stitched it close to be extra careful no problems had it done the day after chemo

[Here2Day]

I'm sorry you're dealing with this... but I will tell you that I"ve been to the dentist since the virus happened, and they were all suited up appropriately. I could barely see my hygienist's face! I went in November, and I've had no issue. However, I am not in active treatment at this time... so, as usual, always check with your oncologist. If you're in active treatment, they may suggest you handle things in a specific way.

Perhaps you could make the appointment, and when you get there, if you're not feeling safe, just leave, or insist that they double-up on their protective gear.

[Catcher910]

My dental office could not be doing any more to keep people safe. They double mask, use face shields, and gowns which they change between patients. They also have air purifiers in each room. They have patients swish with peroxide for a minute before they do anything in the mouth. Patients must call from their car to see if it's okay to enter the waiting area, and patients must of course wear a mask up until the time they need to look in your mouth. Plexiglass between receptionist and patient. Dental issues, unfortunately, don't just go away. You have to get them taken care of. Hopefully your dental office is as vigilant as mine.

[Nadie2018]

Hi Kimbo. The doctor is right, you should take care of the tooth first. They usually recommend have a cleaning (if due) before as well. I did go to my dentist for a cleaning and then a bonding for a broken tooth edge. I felt very safe bc both the Hygienist and the Dentist were wearing N95 masks and a face shield. The were meticulous about cleanliness, using disposables and following CDC recommendations. I think it is more risky for them because of the work type of work they do. I hope this helps and good luck with your tooth and chemo. Nadie

[Tillymint61]

Hi Kimbo. You may already have been to dentist by now but if not just wanted to let you know they do have extra measures in place in dentist surgeries to keep you safe. You might not see them all, as in the level of clean down between patients. Alternating rooms used between patients ( leaving the room that was cleaned down for a period of time time before its used) It won't only be face visors and aprons. This will vary I'm sure with regard to space at individual surgeries. I was told they have reduced number of patients too so not as many in waiting room. My friend is a dental hygienist and she tells me the surgeries are following strict government guidlines. They want to keep you safe and themselves so please get sorted if you haven't already. Good luck.xx

[kimbo57 in reply to Tillymint61]

Thankyou so much for your reply. Yes, i plucked up courage and forced myself to see my dentist on Monday. I was a nervous wreck,but i am about everything!! Had to have a filling, but not an invasive one, just something to hopefully keep me going through the next 6months of chemo. Glad I've got it sorted and with everyones encouragement. Just wish I could chill out a bit and stop being so full of fear about all this. My next worry is sitting on the chemotherapy unit, for hours on end, with this virus still rampant. 🙁🙁

[Tillymint61 in reply to kimbo57]

Well done. The fear of everything is so heightened at the moment for patients in our situation it's completely. I am on the chemo unit every three weeks at the moment and have been since last October. The fear initially was awful but I now feel safe as I've seen what precautions are in place. and yes the staff only wear masks not Shields with plastic aprons. There are far less people in waiting area and all seats are distanced. Mask wearing is compulsory for patients. Each chair and area is washed down and sanitised between patients. The staff are all vaccinated now on the unit too so that is reassuring too. I take my own drinks in and food in. I change my clothes as soon I as get home and they go straight in washer and I get a shower. All these things make me feel in control. I feel I have done as much as I can to protect myself and put trust in the nurses on the unit that they are doing as much as they can to keep me safe. My GP has also prescribed me low dose diazepam for when I can't control these worries. I take them when I feel the need which have lessened over time. Ring helplines too to talk through your worries may help.xx