After Losing Her Teeth to Cancer Treatment, This Brave Survivor From Jacksonville, Fla., Is Getting A New Smile; What To Know About Cancer and Dental Health

When Callaway was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of soft tissue cancer, at the beginning of 2018, her whole world shifted. She began treatment immediately because of the aggressive nature of her disease, and experienced many of the kinds of physical decline that can come along with chemotherapy. She was bedridden and needed help with everyday personal tasks like bathing or using the bathroom. "I didn't think I was gonna make it out of 2018," she said.

In addition to taking away her physical health, cancer pulled Callaway away from her family. Deciding that it would be harmful for her son to watch her decline, Callaway sent him to live with his grandmother while she continued treatment.

Three years later, Callaway is in remission and reunited with her son. She has regained her weight after dropping down to 82 pounds during chemo. But there's one powerful reminder of rhabdomyosarcoma that she does not want to have to hide anymoreher smile.

Eight months into treatment, Callaway noticed that her mouth was always dry and her teeth felt "very very thin." She stopped eating, and she kept getting mouth sores. Then, pieces of her teeth started chipping away. "Sometimes I would be drinking something or just waking up in the morning and I’m like ‘what is this in my mouth?’ and I’m spitting out pieces of my teeth," she told First Coast News.

The price of fixing Callaway's smile could be anywhere from $30,000 to $80,000, according to dentists she consulted. The GoFundMe page Callaway created a few months ago to raise money for her dental work only brought in $2,500 of the $70,000 goal. But with the help of First Coast News, Callaway found a local dental group that will restore her smile free of charge. “God never puts more on us than we can truly bear," she said.

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What is rhabdomyosarcoma?

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a rare type of sarcoma that occurs most commonly in children. According to the American Cancer Society, sarcomas are cancers that develop in bones and soft tissues like muscles, fat, the linings of joints, or blood vessels. There are many types of sarcomas, and RMS specifically is made up of cells that normally develop into the muscles we use to move our body. Before they fully develop, the cells that will form these muscles are called rhabdomyoblasts, and they are the cells that can become RMS. Though RMS can occur in adults, it is more common in children because it is connected to these early forms of muscle cells.

When adults do develop RMS, they generally have faster growing types of the disease that occur in harder-to-treat parts of the body. Common RMS sites are the head and neck, urinary and reproductive organs, arms and legs, and the chest and abdomen.

There are two main types of RMS: embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS). ERMS is most common in children under 5 years old, but it can occur at older ages. It is typically focused in the head and neck area or near the urinary and reproductive organs. ARMS, on the other hand, does not have a typical age group. ARMS grows quickly and often demands intense treatment.

Treating Cancer and Maintaining Oral Health

According to the National Cancer Institute, some cancer treatments can cause problems in patients’ mouth, throat and teeth. If focused on the head or neck, radiation may damage salivary glands and tissues, making it challenging for patients to chew and swallow. Similarly, chemotherapy and immunotherapy can sometimes harm the mouth and throat. Patients may experience infections, sores, dryness, pain, swelling, sensitivity and tooth decay.

It is important to pay attention to oral problems that prevent patients from eating or drinking normally, because dehydration and malnourishment are dangerous for cancer patients. If you are experiencing symptoms that make it harder to eat, try sticking to softer foods, and contact your doctor. Your doctor may be able to help you find mouth rinses or pain medication that can alleviate your discomfort.

To help protect against mouth and dental problems, make sure to get a dental check-up before you begin treatment, and check and clean your mouth every day. Use a soft toothbrush and brush gently after eating. If you notice any changes in your mouth (sores, discoloration, sensitivity, discomfort), report this information to your doctor.

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