Hi Everyone,

My Mother (age 70) has been diagnosed with Nasopharyngeal cancer, stage III, and has just completed her first week of (IMRT) Radiation and (Cisplatin) chemotherapy treatment.

She has had a very difficult week. She has not been able to eat more than a bite or two. I don't know if she has lost her appitite or just can't eat due to nasea. She had a feeding tube inserted a week before her treatments began, to help keep her nutrition levels up. I believe they will be using it earlier than expected. She doesn't drink much in fluids either. The Doctors have given her fluids each day with her treatment because she has been dehydrated. She has been extremely tired, wanting to only be reclined in the corner chair. My father is doing all he can and is wearing down fast.

I am here to gain any knowledge, insight and strength that I can, to assist in her healing.

I look forward to your suggestions.

Thank You,
Kent

Hello Kent

Sorry to hear about your mother. It will be a trying time so I am sure your father will appreciate your help. You will find a link to the experience of a patient with NPC on this MCF webpage.

For a search of the message board of past messages about NPC: "click here"

Best wishes
Vinod

Kent-

I too have been going through a rough time with my mom. When the feeding tube was first suggested I was scared to death. How are we suppose to use it, what if something happens. Now it was a great option for us. There was so much energy, pain and conflict trying to get my mom to eat that that her relationship with food was not good. The feeding tube has just given her and us one less thing to worry about. The feedings are so easy, they take 10 minutes. She is getting the nutrition she needs to gain strength. They best part is she doesn't have to push through the eatings with tears in the eyes. Right mow they are not letting my mon even have clear liquids. Hopefully next week. The one thing that we were told is with the feeding tube, let eating be her choice. Not something that she has to do. My mom can eat with the tube so when she wants something it is because she wants it, not becuase I am telling her she has to eat.

Best Wishes.

Amanada

Thank you Amanda for your reply. My Mother is now using the feeding tube and is already resting more comfortably. You are right, it is one less thing to worry about. Best wishes and lots of prayers for you and your Mother.

Kent

One tip for you guys
I found out the hard way
IF the feeding tube becomes blocked use coke Cola (or similar) and this work amazingly in unblocking the tube
Hope it help

cheers Paul