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Shakalker's avatar
Shakalker
Member
6 years ago

Teeth and jaw pain

Hello everyone,
I had grade 3 stage 2b IDC, 2 lymph nodes involved and DCIS that was removed but margins involved.
Left side mastectomy and axillary clearance. 4 rounds of chemo (had to stop early- toxicity) and 25 radiation, finishing end of May.
I have been on Letrazole for 9 weeks and have many of the usual side effects.
one that has just started and is quite sore is pain in my upper and lower left jaws.
This is new and not something that I have ever had before.
It gets worse when I eat hot or cold food and takes a while to settle after, then it is just like a low constant ache.
Has anyone else experienced this?
I send my love and best wishes to you all  xoxo

26 Replies

  • @arpie thanks for your reply, I did not have a check up for teeth prior, but had no problems till Thursday this week, It is not just one tooth on the top or bottom, but all on the left side top and bottom. I know sometimes pain can travel with tooth problems, but I thought it a little strange that it was happening up and down.
    I will make an appointment at the dentist rather than rely on my crystal ball 🔮 or imagination 😊
  • Sorry to hear that @Shakalker  - funnily enough - I had a couple of teeth go 'hot/cold' sensitive last night & am wondering if I've broken a tooth/filling!   I started off on Letrozole, then Exemestane & now Arimidex!

    Were you teeth checked out before you started chemo (even tho you stopped it early?)  Some people's chemo can cause tooth problems.

    Otherwise - do you think you may be grinding them in your sleep (or during the day?)  This can cause problems as well - even breaking teeth.

    All the best.  Definitely worth getting a check up anyway!
  • @kmakm, I am interested in the effects Pilates and yoga is having on you. I have lost what little strength and flexibility I had during treatment. I am trying stretching to improve it. 
    Hey don’t sell yourself short! We over 50’s are the cream of the crop, too bad these organisations don’t see it. We have life experience and are less likely to call in pregnant or with sick young children. It’s their loss.
    Lucky you to even consider gardening, I live in Tamworth NSW, we are suffering badly with drought, lol, if it gets any worse I’m sure they’ll be saying “Save water, shower with a friend”, so unless there is some miracle plant that grows with out water, gardening would be a waste of time and money. Enjoy your time in the garden, good for the soul I believe.
    I am having my first visit post treatment with my rather useless oncologist this week, I will mention to him my issues, I just don’t want to sound like a hypochondriac 🤪 and if it continues this week I will visit the dentist for a check up.
    I hope you get some relief from the osteo pain.
    kindest regards S xox
  • Thanks @Shakalker. I'm plodding on. Working on managing the pain, which is regular osteo, and giving in to taking painkillers every night in order to improve my sleep. Regular pilates and yoga is currently strengthening my body and reducing stress, and some regular meditation is helping on that front as well. I applied for a volunteer position at a local hospital but didn't get it (female, over 50, who wants us?!) so have applied for another one. And with spring approaching I'm trying my hand at gardening for the first time. At least when I can after looking after the house and its inhabitents. Trying to find a combination that works for me to manage the pain and the depression. I hope you find a solution to your jaw issue. K xox
  • Thanks for your consideration @kmakm, I hope all is good with you. S xox
  • It's not one that I've had. Sorry @Shakalker. K xox