Technically my type of cancer isn't in the mouth. Nasopharangeal Carcinoma is quite uncommon!So trying to find a forum for it didn't happen!
I'm 23 years old.
Yesterday i got my life back! My RIG tube was removed. I'm eating again (although my saliva glands aren't what they should be). And after dropping to 6stone 10lb i'm getting my figure back!
I had 6 cylcles of chemo (cisplatin & 5fu) followed by 6 weeks of radical radio therapy. Finnished 28th. december!

Hello all!

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

Hello Chelle

You are welcome here. I read your story. You have been through a lot!

A number of members have had nasopharygeal carcinoma and as the treatments and problems faced by head and neck cancers often are similar, you will find the members on this board very supportive.

Best wishes
Vinod

Hello Chelle

Sorry to hear you have had to go through this treatment and so young too. Whilst it is awful that you are so young, youth and fitness can be a bonus in fighting the disease.
And yes 6 weeks seems like a liftime when we have radiotherapy. But each year the protocol for application of radiation treatment improves. Hopefully you will eat and taste soon.

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

Thank you both.
Pauline, thankfully i am eating alreadfy, and i'm finding i can manage most aslong as i have plenty of sauce/gravey etc.
My main issue is the nerve damage in my hands and feet - though im told this should improve.
Still i really am getting there now! xxx

Hello. I am from the US. I had tonsil cancer in 2004. Took a lot out of me and I am still trying to get on my feet. I hope you will be OK. Cancer sux. I wouldn't wish it on Hillary Clinton.

Hello Chelle,
I think we met through Pat at the Sussex Cancer Centre in November/December while I was having chemo and radiotherapy for tongue cancer. I am 27 and we were lamenting the fact everyone else in the waiting room was about 30 years older than us! I remember you had a really rough time with your chemo, so I am so glad you have got the all clear! I am also cured, according to the docs, and am having the usual monthly check ups. I am also back at work part time and eating almost normally. Anyway, just wanted to say hello. All the best with your continuing recovery.

Thats really good news Susana. You must feel so relieved.
I remember you said the tongue reconstruction failed, how are you getting on now?
Yeah, i had a rough time with the chemo, but that was a breeze compared to post R.T.!! I couldn't master the art of tube feeding and vomitted every day for about 2 months! dropped to 6stone 10lb. I'm 7.5stone now... 2stone to go! I'm eating almost normally too, but food neads lotsa gravey/sauce/double cream *lol*.
Keep in touch!

Hello again,
I can't believe how much weight you lost. The Enrich drinks seemed to keep me going and I lost less than a stone. I remember how awful the vomiting and nausea was after each chemo session, but to have that for two months sounds unbearable. Well done you for coming through it. I am doing really well. Not having the tongue flap doesn't seem to have affected my recovery, as the remaining healthy tongue has expanded quite well to fill the gap. Quite amazing how the body heals itself. My speech is a lot better, although my saliva still needs to sort itself out after the radiotherapy. Apparently that will take months and months. Eating is still quite an effort - I am very slow and it is quite a conscious action - but it is becoming pleasurable again. Are you back at work? Take care and bye for now.

Hiya!
Not back at work yet unfortunately. I've had severe neuralgia from the chemo - i can't feel my toes, have prickling right up my legs. So i'm still a little wobbly. My hands still have no sensation and i'm forever dropping everything! It really is frustrating trying to be patient!
I'm going to be a guinea pig at the Royal Marsden hospital - they're doing reserch into Nasopharyngeal Ca, and apparently i'm a perfect candidate.
You're right about how amazing the body is. Within 3 weeks i've really come on quickly! It's great to be finally getting somewhere.
What do you do for work? I'm going crazy with all the day time telly!
All the best,
Michelle

Hi there,

I recommend the Sex and the City series DVDs - I am currently on season 4. Keeps you going......

I am 31 in two weeks, have just finished my treatment and am back at work half time.

I also felt a bit out of place during my treatment as the other patients were about twice my age. Not a lot of common ground to talk about.

Anyway, its nice to see some others of my generation on the board!

Redser

Hi

Yes waiting rooms average age of patients always leaves me feeling like the odd one out

Mel x