I was diagnosed with nasopharangeal carcinoma in May 2006, I think a stage IIb. At 22 years old.
I was told this rare cancer is mainly found in oriental people - i'm white. It's also related to the EBV (Epstein Barr Virus).
I was told it was very responsive and would have a little R.T. and some chemo. HAHA
Then came an MRI scan - which showed a large tumour making its way down my left nostril, blocking my left ear, and a lymph gland in my neck was also effected - 2-3cm.
So 6 cycles of chemo was planned (cicplatin & 5fu). Followed by R.T.
within a week i had a Groshong put in - so i could have my 5fu amblitory. i was awake through out and OUCH!
Next a C.T scan showed nodes on my lungs (which later turned out to be benign) so my dose was increased.
After 12 hours of my first chemo cycle i was certain my lymph had shrunk! and within a week i could hear and breathe clearly.
My C.T. scan after the 4th cycle showed no sign of cancer!
The week of my6th cycle my RIG tube was fitted. I threw up on the operating table, it took 2hours instead of half an hour, and i was in agony through out! The Dr. in charge said i had strong stomach muscles and all the vomiting i had been doing had enflamed the stomach wall. He lost his confidence after several attempts and was shaking.
Through chemo i suffered anxiety sickness at the sight of a drip, and on the way to hospital. It's psychological but it doesn't make it any less real!
Also the week of my 6th cycle i started R.T. and i was on the chemo drip at the same time. Unable to eat from that week on, the dry mouth started from day one. And with everything that happened that week it was too much!
Finnisd R.T. on december 18th. and by the end of jan i was admitted to hospital weighin 6stn 10lb. I had been vomitting every day an kept nothing down. Managing no more that one fortysip a day! I was switched to a night feed - on a pump. Given fluids. I thought "you don't beat cancer & die of malnutrition!" And 3 weeks on i started to eat again! My throat began to heal quickly with the right nutrition.
Yesterday i had my first follow up and im all clear!
PHEW!

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

Congrats on the all clear! I still remember some of my experiences with surgeries & chemo when I was originally diagnosed at 2 1/2, but hang in there. I'm very happy to say that my last chemo was 26 years ago with no reoccurences, life does go on and it gets better wtih every day.

Hi Chelle

It's always sad to hear of young people suffering from anything and it seems that you've had more than your fair share of this already! Anyway - congratulations on being declared all clear. Now it sounds as if you need to concentrate on gaining some weight and building up your health.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

Good luck

Pete

Chelle
Some story!
Thanks for sharing it & best wishes for your recovery.
I was treated for tonsil cancer last year when I was 49 & hospital said I should respond to treatment well as I was "young"!
Very unfair that you have been so ill so young, but you age really should give you a quicker recovery than most.

Hi Chelle,I was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in 1997 when I was 28. Still going strong now though. It does get a lot easier with time. All the best.

Hi Chelle

Phew indeed!1 You give me great hope for the future.

All the very best of luck. (hey, that what we need ehh!!)

Angie

Thanks guys!
It goes to show you never know whats waiting round the corner so make the most of what you have right now!
Back to work part-time monday!
& as soon as i'm over the nerve damage im starting a dog grooming business!
Thanks again for the kind words.
Michelle

Hi Chelle

Good to hear you have gone back to work part time let us know how you get on.

Mel x

Hey Mel,
Work is exhausting but it's so great to be back! All my old customers have been saying hiow glad they are to have me back. & my boss (who is probably THE most supportive, understanding boss in the world) has been amazing! She's happy with me just doing as much as i can manage. About 4 hours a day.
I'm really pushing myself and end up hobbling home but the aches ease off by the evening.
Thrown money at a few people *lol
thanks to the numb fingures. But its good practise. & it's a bit of a struggle picking up coins.
Over all though it's just fantastic having a bit of stimulation in the day!
& i feel my stregnth improving already

Hi Chelle,
Congratulations on getting back to work! I found it really daunting going back but it was fine after the first day. I am working my way back to full time and am now doing four days a week from 10am to 3pm. I read about the clinical trial - sounds really complicated but well done you for seeing about getting involved. I promised myself a holiday of a lifetime when this was all over and have just booked to go to South Africa to see a friend. I have always dreamt of going on safari and now my dream is going to come true! Hoaray! Anyway, good to hear you are on the mend. S

Susana,
That sounds amazing! I'd love to go on a Safari! I bet travel insurance is a challange?!
It feels great to be taking part in life again instead of just watching everyone else living it!
It's done wonders for my emotional state. & people can really be so lovely! I've had to repeat myself countless times to the regulars (thinking about printing leaflets excplaining it all to save the dry mouth *lOl).
I hope South Africa is everything you want it to be. You deserve it!
Michelle x