Cary’s Care Bags
Flock Cancer Idaho is excited to offer Cary’s Care Bags – an oral health care program for breast cancer patients going thru chemotherapy.
Cary’s Care Bags are inspired by and dedicated to the memory of Cary Wilson, a brave fighter and 25-year-old breast cancer survivor who sadly lost her battle with a different health struggle in the summer of 2024. In her memory and honor we will continue to help improve the lives of breast cancer fighters. You can read Cary’s story in our blog.
Objective
Oral health care is not a priority in oncology treatment plans in much of the United States. Nevertheless, there is a known sharp increase in dental problems during and after chemotherapy that can cause patients additional discomfort and stress. The objective of Cary’s Care Bags is to increase preventive oral healthcare knowledge in people undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancers and to educate patients how to optimally care for their teeth during cancer treatments. The bags will be delivered to the patient by a dental hygienist with personalized instructions for product use, oral hygiene and possible dietary modifications.
Goals
The goal of this program is to educate newly diagnosed breast cancer patients who have been prescribed chemotherapy in oral hygiene skills and practices, to demonstrate the correct use of dental hygiene products, and to inform what the possible oral complications of chemotherapy are, and what to do about them.
Solutions
The solution to improving the oral health outcomes for this population is through oral health patient education, with a hands-on dental hygiene demonstration on how the patient can care for her teeth, gums and whole mouth at home. Products such as fluoride varnishes, nano-Hydroxyapatite crystals, mouthwashes, types of toothpaste, interdental aids, will be supplied by Cary’s Care Bags.
How do I get a bag?
If you or someone you love is going thru breast cancer treatment and could benefit from these products and care, please email [email protected] A dental hygienist will make an appoint with you to give you an orientation and application of needed products.
Project Outline
Patients can be enrolled into Cary’s Care Bags by either emailing Flock Cancer at [email protected] directly or be referred to us by local oncologists and breast surgeons.
- Bags will be delivered containing products including a toothbrush, interdental aids, specialty toothpaste, Closys mouthwash, a mouth moisture gel, and a box of Xylimelts.
- Bag contents will be chosen based on the person’s dental needs as identified by communication with Flock Cancer hygenists
- Patient bags will be delivered directly to the patient with face-to-face dental hygiene instructions.
- Any mouth lesions will be photographed by the dental hygienist and sent to the patient’s oncologist or dentist. The rationale is that a diagnosis must be made by a medical doctor or a dentist before an appropriate solution can be prescribed.
- Follow-up questions can be posed to the dental hygienist about oral health care concerns.
How can I support the Cary’s Care Bag program?
- Donate here to help support the costs of this program so we can continue to bring this service and relief to Idaho breast cancer fighters and honor Cary’s memory and bravery