Years after my treatment for oral cancer, I was losing teeth. They say, ‘radiation is a gift, but it keeps on giving.’ At first I had a Maryland bridge. That worked for a while until an adjacent molar had to be extracted. My dental oncologist, Dr. Devin Okay in NY, wanted me to consider dental implants. Even though several dentists …
Head and Neck Cancer: Bundled Fees for Care
A pilot program is being developed by UnitedHealthcare and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to explore the benefit of a preset, bundled payment for head and neck cancer care that includes chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. “Patients are going to know right upfront what the total cost is,” UnitedHealthcare’s Dr. Lee Newcomer said. The collaboration is among the …
Oral Cancer Takes Another Life
In Memory of Mike Collins May 30th 1948 – February 29th 2012 I met Mike’s sister, Robin Morrison, through a LinkedIn conversation about oral cancer. The best way Robin could help her brother was find information about surviving and learning to live with the devastating effects of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation for oral cancer. ‘If only his symptoms were recognized as …
Lehigh Valley Dentists ‘Paying it Forward’
I met Karyn at the Oral Cancer Awareness Walk in October 2009. She was 27, a survivor of oral cancer, and lookin’ fit. Karyn attended the walk with her toddler and sister who pushed the stroller around the course. Her sister had read about the walk, and encouraged Karyn to participate. A fun and important activity to do together before …