I began my journey with a diagnosis of plasmacytoma in the paranasal sinuses on the right side. Once that diagnosis was completely confirmed with additional testing, I went on daily radiation treatments of those areas. A band above the eyes and a band below the eyes focused on the sinus areas. This lasted for 6 weeks, 30 radiation treatments in all. It worked, it eliminated the plasmacytoma. A few months later, I was then diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Some of those cancerous cells were apparently missed by the radiation and moved throughout my body. To make a long story shorter, I went on chemotherapy. At first it was (VRD) Velcade, Revlimid, Dexamethasone. Then later on, Zometa was added. I was on it for more than a year. The bottom line is, the radiation damaged both my gums and my teeth. I’m dealing with that today. I have some serious dental issues now and had nothing of this magnitude prior to these treatments. I’ve been off the Zometa (zoledronic acid) since February of last year. I’m working with a highly skilled oral surgeon and periodontist that is associated with the cancer center. He is dealing with gum, bone, and teeth issues. He is very concerned about my previous use of the bisphosphonate, Zometa. He said its impact on the bones can last for years. And it affects the jawbone specifically; creating an ONJ condition. So, to summarize; the radiation, the Zometa, and the multiple myeloma itself have had a major impact on my gums and my teeth. I’m now a regular at his office for various treatments to deal with my dental issues. And of course, multiple myeloma itself can have a negative effect on the bones along with the impact of the chemo drugs on those same tissues.