Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Hello,

My husband has recently been diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.  Surgery is not recommended because of the placement of the tumor, so chemotherapy and IMRT radiation therapy have been recommended.

 We have researched and gleaned alot of information on the benefits, side effects, and long-term side-effects of chemo and radiation in general.  We also accessed information on Proton Therapy, a form of radiation which is less toxic and regular and tightens the delivery of the beam to the tumor without affecting surrounding organs, or tissues.

 Has anyone else out there experienced chemo and radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma?  It would help to communicate with someone who has experienced this form of head and neck cancer and learn what treatments worked for you.  Thanks so much and have a great day.  Info Seeker

My husband had Oropharyngel which is very close to nasopharyngeal, they are both squamous cell carcinoma. The proton therapy is not an option. Radiation and chemo (usually cisplatin) are the usual treatments. The radiation targets the cancer.....the side effects do not start until after treatment is done, loss of saliva,(dry mouth) loss of hair in the field of radiation, Chemo, side effects will be some hearing loss and possible kidney damage.....drink drink drink water water water during treatment to prevent kidney damage. A feeding tube should be given to him so when the radiation causes inablity to swollow, he will be able to get nutrition. The feeding tube is only temporary, but the length of time ranges. Don't look at statistics, as they are not good.....they include old data, when the patients didn't get feeding tubes and the treatment wasn't as refined.....now you will live through the treatment! You come out on the other end with dry mouth, new fragile taste buds, hearing aides, and a goutee (you don't have to shave the sides again) Good luck and many prayers! Oh yeh, dental issues are also important. Many dentists recommend pulling the teeth before treatment.....as lack of saliva causes future problems with teeth. If he keeps his teeth, he will have to start daily floride treatments. See a dentist that understands radiation treatment for more info.

 

On 8/26/2007 Birdies wrote:

My husband had Oropharyngel which is very close to nasopharyngeal, they are both squamous cell carcinoma. The proton therapy is not an option. Radiation and chemo (usually cisplatin) are the usual treatments. The radiation targets the cancer.....the side effects do not start until after treatment is done, loss of saliva,(dry mouth) loss of hair in the field of radiation, Chemo, side effects will be some hearing loss and possible kidney damage.....drink drink drink water water water during treatment to prevent kidney damage. A feeding tube should be given to him so when the radiation causes inablity to swollow, he will be able to get nutrition. The feeding tube is only temporary, but the length of time ranges. Don't look at statistics, as they are not good.....they include old data, when the patients didn't get feeding tubes and the treatment wasn't as refined.....now you will live through the treatment! You come out on the other end with dry mouth, new fragile taste buds, hearing aides, and a goutee (you don't have to shave the sides again) Good luck and many prayers! Oh yeh, dental issues are also important. Many dentists recommend pulling the teeth before treatment.....as lack of saliva causes future problems with teeth. If he keeps his teeth, he will have to start daily floride treatments. See a dentist that understands radiation treatment for more info.

Hello Birdies,  What do you mean when you say the proton therapy is not an option, please?  Our research indicates and a visit to Mass. General Hospital in Boston, resulted in a Yes it is an option. As a matter of fact, we're headed out that way this week for preparatory testing.  Mass. General is one of 5 centers in the Nation that provide Proton Therapy

You say your husband HAD oropharyngeal carcinoma.  How's he doing now?  Did you also bring in an Integrative/Complementary Physician into the loop in order to support the Immune System with metabolic/vitamin supplementation as well?  Hope you both are doing well.  Thanks for the response.   Prayers with you as well.  God Bless you Both!  Peace

 

Funny that this is such a small world, Hi again, I was wrong about the proton, because I thought that was the internal radiation they give to those with thyroid cancer. I was mixed up.....but after you talked to my husband on the phone this morning, he called his radiation oncologist and found out he had photon high energy xray beam.....he is waiting for a call back from you to tell you about it. He also wants you to call the nurse oncologist coordinator here.....he has her number for you. So call back soon. No we did not take vitamens, because JD had chemo and was on feeding tube for over 6 months.