Re: Sister's Cancer Is Back

In early part of 2006, my sister was diagnosed with  cancer of the nasopharynx. She had I believe 3 chemo sessions but realizing it wasn't helping her at all, they proceeded with the radiation. The chemo took a toll on her health, and I came close to losing my sister. I made the decision to come home and visit her , even with the dilemma of missing a month's wage that could help towards the treatment expense. They don't have medical insurance in the Philippines so it was pretty tough. I was lucky enough to have a tremendous support from friends who generously gave money for me to bring home. The radiation did help shrink the tumor. She was clear from Nov.06 until now , when she started getting headaches and trouble with her vision and some facial paralysis ( mild cerebral palsy I think) She is scheduled to go for chemo again next week ... And again ... as if we are threading through either rough waters or piece of wire . My immediate action was to seek part time job , to come up with the money again for the chemo. Dr said would be 6 sessions , $1,000 per session!  I went pale for a moment , but I readily refocused and calmed myself down ,  I said to myself - if I have to do housekeeping jobs on weekend ( I am a licensed Dental Asst by profession ... but there are more of these housekeeping jobs opening for part timers ) then there is no question about that except that I only have to anticipate some back pains again. Nothing that an ample amount of 555 or Bengay will fix I hope. I started rallying for prayers and emotional support from family and friends. I had my interview last Friday, and I came close to begging the supervisor. I am optimistic I will get .... I have to. If not , I will again walk into another hotel or resort to hand in my resume until someone would say YES to me. My sister's life is worth all the back pains I will get , that's  a fact I so very well know ... 

She needs to be in the US, preferably Johns Hopkins in Baltimore or at an MD Andersen.  Chemoradiography seems to be the new protocol.  My husband has NPC stage four A tumor growth.  He takes 10 mg of glutamine (an amino acid) three times a day.  He has IMRT (radiation) five days a week and chemo (170 mg cisplatin) every third week or so.  He has only begun treatment but is doing extremely well.

She may be eligible for a clinical (might be free) on the stateside.  Have you checked this out?  I've heard about them being progressive, aggressive and positive for all involved.

 

On 9/30/2007 Balanguena wrote:

In early part of 2006, my sister was diagnosed with  cancer of the nasopharynx. She had I believe 3 chemo sessions but realizing it wasn't helping her at all, they proceeded with the radiation. The chemo took a toll on her health, and I came close to losing my sister. I made the decision to come home and visit her , even with the dilemma of missing a month's wage that could help towards the treatment expense. They don't have medical insurance in the Philippines so it was pretty tough. I was lucky enough to have a tremendous support from friends who generously gave money for me to bring home. The radiation did help shrink the tumor. She was clear from Nov.06 until now , when she started getting headaches and trouble with her vision and some facial paralysis ( mild cerebral palsy I think) She is scheduled to go for chemo again next week ... And again ... as if we are threading through either rough waters or piece of wire . My immediate action was to seek part time job , to come up with the money again for the chemo. Dr said would be 6 sessions , $1,000 per session!  I went pale for a moment , but I readily refocused and calmed myself down ,  I said to myself - if I have to do housekeeping jobs on weekend ( I am a licensed Dental Asst by profession ... but there are more of these housekeeping jobs opening for part timers ) then there is no question about that except that I only have to anticipate some back pains again. Nothing that an ample amount of 555 or Bengay will fix I hope. I started rallying for prayers and emotional support from family and friends. I had my interview last Friday, and I came close to begging the supervisor. I am optimistic I will get .... I have to. If not , I will again walk into another hotel or resort to hand in my resume until someone would say YES to me. My sister's life is worth all the back pains I will get , that's  a fact I so very well know ... 

Radiation is what works!  I started to have the facial numbness and partial paralaysis also, but that was in the beginning phase and how they found the tumor.  The tumor was actually burring into the brain cavity.  What was also strange was that everything that was numb on my face (which was the entire right side of my face and head) hurt.  When was the last time she had an MRI or PET scan.  Chemo will not cure this cancer alone, she needs radiation therapy.