by John Megahed
H4H Feature Writer
November 10, 2006

It's not so much the mouth lesions, or the gum disease, or the oral cancer that caused so much stress on Rick Eisenbart's life. It's the reconstruction and repair to the entire lower half of his face and to his oral cavity that has caused him the most hardship. So far, as of November 2006, the process has taken approximately a year and a half and three surgeries. Mr. Eisenbart (SGM retired) is a Soldier who grew up on the eastern Colorado plains and served in the jungles of Central and South America. He started his military career in the U.S. Navy, serving in the Pacific Fleet. He currently works as Department of the Army civilian in Crystal City, Virginia.

No, this is not a story about how smokeless tobacco can kill you. Instead, this is a personal story of tragedy and triumph from a retired Soldier. Mr. Eisenbart used smokeless tobacco (also known as spit, dip, or chewing tobacco) on a daily basis for about 40 years, at least three times a day. As Mr. Eisenbart discussed the matter in late October 2006, he recalls, "I used to fall asleep with it in my mouth. I thought I was invincible, like I could dip all I wanted and it wouldn't affect me physically; get the nicotine rush without smoking and not adversely affect my APFT scores," referring to the rigors of Army Physical Fitness Training. "The common misconception is that smokeless won't hurt you," he says. "That simply is not true and I'm living proof of it."

Celebrities, sports personalities, and the Big Tobacco marketing strategy might lead you to believe that smokeless tobacco is better for you than cigars or cigarettes, but it isn't. According to the American Cancer Society, "These products cause various cancers and non-cancerous conditions. They can also lead to nicotine addiction. The most serious health effect of smokeless tobacco is an increased risk of cancer of the mouth, neck, and pharynx (throat). These cancers occur several times more often among smokeless tobacco users compared with non-tobacco users. Smokeless tobacco may also play a role in heart disease and high blood pressure."

After surgery in August 2005 to remove a five centimeter malignant tumor from the left side of his mouth (a squamous cell carcinoma), Eisenbart says, "I looked like a circus freak." Doctors removed part of his mandible (jawbone), part of his tongue, most of his teeth (top and bottom on the left side of his face), and 31 lymph nodes from his neck. "They literally cut my face off, laid it on top of my head, and went cancer hunting." Fortunately, for Eisenbart and his Family, the damage done to his face did not spread to his brain as is common in the majority of these cases. He says he is, "facing several years of reconstruction, an option not available just a few years ago, thanks to today's continuing medical research."

This story and after more publicized illnesses caused by smokeless tobacco (including the untimely death of Kent Cooper, 13-time National Rodeo Finals saddle bronco rider), show that the time is now to address personal habits and unhealthy behaviors. According to the Journal of Dental Education, an estimated 3% or seven million American adults have used smokeless tobacco in the past month (Source: Judith S. Gordon and Herbert H. Severson, Tobacco Cessation Through Dental Office Settings, JDE 2001). The number of U.S. Soldiers that use chewing tobacco is on the rise, replacing cigarettes, which are increasingly unpopular in most social circles, military installations, and in the mainstream media.

Don't be fooled into thinking that smokeless tobacco won't hurt you. Smokeless does not mean harmless. Get help, quit dipping, and stop using all forms of addictive nicotine-laced products. If you or someone you know is suffering from a smokeless tobacco related illness, refer to these online resources for assistance and information:

ARNG Dental Bytes
Fit 2 Bite
Stop Tobacco Shop
Oral Cancer Foundation
Centers for Disease Control

The HOOAH 4 HEALTH support team expresses its appreciation of this courageous contribution by Mr. Rick Eisenbart, SGM, USA Retired.

This article was peer-reviewed and edited by Judith S. Harris, BSN, MA, Certified Health Education Specialist.

Copyright 2006. This article may not be reproduced in any media format or venue without written permission. administrator@hooah4health.com