There are a few side effects to chemo that we didn't really think about. Today we got a reminder that chemo can affect more than just cancerous cells.
Emily went to see her wonderful dentist today, Dr. Linda, and came away with a new toothbrush, dental floss, and two additional appointments in the near future to fill cavities.
Hello fillings. Good bye stimulus check.
Dr. Linda explained to us that a possible side effect of chemotherapy is that the patient develops a dry mouth which can lead to decay and other issues. With all the medical problems that we were dealing with, we just didn't pay enough attention to how well Emily was flossing her back molars. We will be paying attention now, believe me.
I'm starting to think that Emily has a career in medicine ahead of her with all the exposure she's gotten in the last 7 1/2 months. For instance, Emily told me that she saw the tooth decay from looking at the x-rays. I think I was 30 and having my first root canal before I figured what those dark spots on my x-rays were.
I can hear her future now....'Dr. Emily, your patient is waiting for you in exam room 4.'
I just hope that she doesn't chose to become a proctologist. Yikes!
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