Hi everyone my names Ally, my dad was diagnosed with nasalpharyngeal in July 2002, he received radiotherapy which was very aggressive and left him with a lot of unpleasant side-effects but worked at the time, last August (06) the tumour had returned (its behind the nose)and he is receiving chemo now, however he is having real problems with his breathing and whenever he tries to eat or drink it makes him cough and wheeze and he can't catch his breath.

He already puries his food but the doctors are stumped as to what else to do, this is a rare type of cancer and being in the Highlands of Scotland they don't have much experience in dealing with the problems he is having does anyone have any suggestions that may ease the irritation or know of anyone who has had the same problems.

Regards
Ally

Hi Ally,
I finnished treatment for Nasopharyngeal Ca in december. I had 6 cycles of high dose chemo & Radiotherapy.
I know how hard it must be for your father to breathe!
My entire left nostril was blocked with the tumour and my right was blocked with swelling from where i had to blow my nose to remove the mucous so frequently!
Eating and drinking was a nightmare - as i could only breathe from my mouth. So i'd take a deep breath, then take a bite and exhale slowly while i chewed. I really had to re-train myself to breathe from my mouth. I too would cough and splutter all over the place. I did find drinking with a straw helped control my breathing a little better to.
I've been left with a very dry mouth from R/T and still cough on liquids quite a bit (occasionaly it comes out my nose- NICE).
I did find within a week of my first chemo cycle the tumour shrunk back enough to allow me to breathe through my nose again.
I still suffer with the mucous though and sometimes splutter on that.
I really wish your dad all the best with his treatment. It's terrible that the cancer has returned.
All the best,
Michelle

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Chelle,