On 12/10/2007
Mediator wrote:
My husband has recently been diagnosed with stage three NPC. Johns Hopkins recommend a local group to apply chemoradiotherapy. We have our pre-treatment consult Dec 18. I'm reading a lot about needing a feeding tube. Has anyone has success without one? He is an extremely willful and determined man when he wants to be. Can this alone get him thru without the tube? I've downloaded tons on nutrition shakes and more. We are seeing a nutritionist hopefully next week as well. Also, did everyone need a pick line? I can't seem to locate information on that. Thank you for all your sharing and help.
Hi I just finished my radiation theraphy and chemo for NPC. there is nothing to worry about, your husband will be fine. The feeding tube and the pick line help me a lot during my treatment because your husband will lose his taste and at times ability to swallow solid food and without feeding tube he will be weak. He will need all the strength he can get and without losing weight. i am now recovering from chemo and radiation and i still have my feeding tube because i could not swallow or taste any food or drink everything taste like you are sucking on the rusted pipe.
Pick line will help him so that they will not poke him with needle every time they take blood samples, chemo, and to hydrate him.
All of these steps are necessary and for his own good. Tell him have an appointment with speach teraphist they will teach him how to preserve his voice.
Good luck, and God bless you both.
lito