BEEEEEAAARRRS
how about a rousing game of pool
well, your items DO stay there for about 3-4 minutes. That buys a lot of time and based on the "edge of the map" comment, I'm assuming you're on 360 version? Those maps aren't very big and Im pretty sure it wouldn't be hard to find the cave again if its on the edge of the map. Besides, even if the cave was more than a 3-4 minute run away, items are stuck in limbo when the chunks are unloaded and the 3-4 minute timer only would start when you get close
It's not like you fell in lava, but it doesnt matter anymore when you deleted the save I guess
It's not like you fell in lava, but it doesnt matter anymore when you deleted the save I guess