Latest Pharyngeal Cancer discussions http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/cancers/head-and-neck-cancers/pharyngeal-cancer/1,0,119,39,28.htm Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I have been reading the message board but haven't really read anything on this type of cancer. My finance was told he had this type of cancer in April of 07. Has gone through 35 rad and 4 cemo.His peg tube was removed in May of 08. He is still on soft food or as i say mushy food in order to get it down. He thinks always of his cancer coming back. He was doing pretty good and went for his 4th cat scan earlier in June  and it was clear .But now he is complaing that he is tired and really does not want to do anything. Any kind of help on this cancer would help. I was wondering if anyone else went throught this.    http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,25324,0.htm kathy825 Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT I have just been diagnosed with nasopharyngeal Carcinoma-Regaud Type.  What is RegaudType? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,24419,0.htm trumpetman Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT On 5/12/2008 Defjoeb wrote:Yes, rad is radiation. Where were you radiated? Everybody reacts differently to it and it may not be so bad in most parts of the body but in the head and neck area it's absolutely terrible. 2nd and 3rd degree burns in the throat, mucositis (it's much worse than it sounds), constant pain, the inability to swallow even saliva, damage to the mouth and gums (blisters, thrush), permanent damage to salivary glands (saliva is a very underrated fluid, you don't know how much you need it until you lose it), etc... Many people (myself included) lose the ability to swallow and have to relearn it. Thankfully most ill effects are temporary and the permanent ones can be dealt with. I hope I didn't scare any newbies. It's always good to hear someone who goes through it easily. It gives the newly diagnosed some hope that it won't be so terrible for them.Good luck.Joe  JoeHow did you relearn to swallow?I've been on a g-tube for a year and a half and it's getting old.Bruce http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,24350,0.htm bruceb Sat, 24 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hello everyone my name is Mark I'm a 7 year nasopharnex stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma Cancer Survior. In 2006 I started having swallowing problems, food stuck and not going down constant coughing increasing dysphagia. M epiglottis doesn't close over. These problems are due to radiation treatment which caused a lot of scar tissue.I have severe Esophageal Stricture. I'm scheduled next week for Dilation I also have trismus approx 1.5cm which means I cannot open my mouth that wide at all due to radiation treatment which is what most head and neck patients have. My ent while I'm under general Anesthesia will stretch my mouth wider in order to see down by throat for the esophageal dilation. These are just muscles being used when my mouth is stretch wider has anyone had this done. To include Esophageal Dilation with severe stricture.I need to know everyones experience who has been thru this or in the process of going thru it. Thanks in Advance http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,18325,0.htm mark5301960 Sun, 25 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT Dear all,I have received many emails since my last posting,  i appreciate all the nice notes and encouraging words!!!!For those newly diagnosed, i hope you get to read this, I've said it before and i'll keep saying it.  Being diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor is not the end of the world.  This type of pancreatic cancer is fightable!!!!!!  But everyone must get treatment with the doctors that specialize with this cancer.  A regular oncologist will not do!!!  No offense, but our cancer is rare.  Your doing yourself a disfavor if you think they know all there is to know about your cancer, they don't.  I'm not saying they are not good docs, but our cancer is rare and must be treated in a special way.  It is a cancer that can be contained if you seek treatment from someone who deals with this type regularly!!!!"if you can't tell" i feel strongly about anyone diagnosed with a neuroendocrine type tumor, please see a specialist, if you don't know who they are, get in touch with me and i will help you!!!!  Remember, i'm 7 years post original diagnosis and doing great!!!!Take care,Marcie  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,16991,0.htm Marcie77 Thu, 11 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 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 ...  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,16644,0.htm Balanguena Sun, 30 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT Dear doctor,Praise the lord        i am ashish from india and please give me some advise related to cancer, doctor diagonsed larnyx/throat cancer to my father and told that it is in 4th stage and only 40% chance to recover please advise me that what can i do and and how we cure it. please advise me doctor told forhere we send some points doctor prescribe during laborotary test: # cerivical lymphadenopathy.# pyriform sinun(right)# supraglottic mass with possible glottic extension.# lymph nodal mass seen right jugular chain# level 2nd & 3rd /mildy streky densities.Please advise and suggest me to help my fahter mew life because i have enough money for treatment.Is the cancer transmitted by somone who have what precautions we have to do.please advise me.thank youashish http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,14298,0.htm raaj_bon1234 Fri, 13 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT My husband (51 years old now) was diagnosed with squamous cell cancer of the vocal cords 3 years ago.  He had radiation and chemo off and on for 9 weeks.  We live in Florida and that was the year of THE HURRRICANES which caused the treatment center to close and made driving impossible on some days.  After treatments, he was cancer free for 2 years. Last August he was having difficulty with his speech again (hoarse voice) - a CT scan showed something and a biopsy confirmed cancer again in the same place.  In September he had a total laryngectomy and radical neck disection.  He adjusted very well to breathing through and having to take care of his stoma (a hole in his neck that is what he breaths through now), loss of smell, and his new "voice."  He has a great attitude and did not let it bring him down.  In April, the cancer was back again (same place, minus the vocal cords).  He is doing radiation and chemo again to reduce and hopefully kill the cancer, but also to buy him more time.  They are going to do surgery on him in late July.  I believe it is called a radial forearm flap.  The way it was explained to us is they will remove as much of the twice radiated tissue that they can and anything else they need to remove that may have cancer.  They don't know how much they will need to remove until they get inside.  They will then take a flap from his forearm to reconstruct his esophagus, the surrounding tissue and skin they remove from his neck.  Has anyone out there had any experience with this?  The doctor was very positive and gave us a lot of hope, but I am very frightened by all of this.  Any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated!!!  My husband says he is not scared, he just wants to get it done.  He is so positive and has such a great attitude that I can't bear to share with him how scared I am of losing him!  I don't want him to be worried about me right now.  Thanks you for any help or information you can offer!           Debbie http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,12713,0.htm Gatordebbie Sat, 02 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT One more thing. If the actual baseball hit comes and I fall. I don't need anyone. I have my cell right next to me for the ambulance. I have people who love me but I have to be a fighter. This is what you will eventually conclude from my messages. You must. Please help. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,9439,0.htm Hebah Wed, 07 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT I wanted to say before I accidentally pressed send message, please don't tell me to go to a he physician. I need some advice on this. I am aware each case is case-to-case, but I want to know what is cancer reversal in terms of the cancer being a feel and no energy present for a smooth rythm to the grave or the actual horrible hit that lasts for a few moments. Thank you. Please advice. It was my fault. I worked out religiously and now I have cancer for being extreme in this particular scenario regarding my health. It's not guilt, It's LIFE. Please advice. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,9438,0.htm Hebah Wed, 07 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT I need help. I know I have cancer. All the symptoms are there. I smoked heavily and I'm a 31 year old male.I have central apnea. Hard to breathe during my sleep. There is a difference between obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. I have had minor blood from my nose for more than three years daily. I lost 'my sense of odor. I haven't been diagnosed because the cancer is not unbearable. It got worse seven months ago and my body started to feel it. Recently, it feels like it's entering my muscoskeletal system. It cannot hit if you know what I mean. It feels as no energy is present. I hear the word reversal or it has to conquer every inch of my body before it hits me like a hurricane. I feel shrapnel, the occassional nervousness in the body, the baseball, and many other horrifying symptoms of the hit. It has to work on knocking me down. All this is just a feel. Energy levels are constantly changing. It cannot produce a smooth ryhthm to bury me in the grave. I heard from someone the cancer never understood me. I used to be in perfect health in the gym but i smoked outside the gym constantly. I hallucinate mirages. It seems the cancer is there but a mirror image. Not like a film because it's original development never commenced but just a dreamy feel. Why not diagnose? It's never been unbearable and I hate hospitals. However, I'm mentally capable of handling the fate that awaits me. No energy but cancer continues. What does that mean? It gets weaker and weaker but tries to catch up when there is lots of energy but as it gets stronger and worse as a feel, it then dies. Please help me. Don't http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,9436,0.htm Hebah Wed, 07 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT I need help. I know I have cancer. All the symptoms are there. I smoked heavily and I'm a 31 year old male.I have central apnea. Hard to breathe during my sleep. There is a difference between obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. I have had minor blood from my nose for more than three years daily. I lost 'my sense of odor. I haven't been diagnosed because the cancer is not unbearable. It got worse seven months ago and my body started to feel it. Recently, it feels like it's entering my muscoskeletal system. It cannot hit if you know what I mean. It feels as no energy is present. I hear the word reversal or it has to conquer every inch of my body before it hits me like a hurricane. I feel shrapnel, the occassional nervousness in the body, the baseball, and many other horrifying symptoms of the hit. It has to work on knocking me down. All this is just a feel. Energy levels are constantly changing. It cannot produce a smooth ryhthm to bury me in the grave. I heard from someone the cancer never understood me. I used to be in perfect health in the gym but i smoked outside the gym constantly. I hallucinate mirages. It seems the cancer is there but a mirror image. Not like a film because it's original development never commenced but just a dreamy feel. Why not diagnose? It's never been unbearable and I hate hospitals. However, I'm mentally capable of handling the fate that awaits me. No energy but cancer continues. What does that mean? It gets weaker and weaker but tries to catch up when there is lots of energy but as it gets stronger and worse as a feel, it then dies. Please help me. Don't tell http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,9437,0.htm Hebah Wed, 07 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT my husband has phasalpharenx cancer and went thru the chemo and radition he was in stage 4 of the cancer.  last pet scan and cat scan showned hot spots. they did another biobsy on the nose sinus area came back neg.and then a biobsy on the tumor on the neck leaving a scar of seven inches also came back neg praise god.  he just barley eating still has medi port and feeding tube. second onefeeding tube. has hardly any engery to walk to the bathroom.   and he's 57  years old and develop a block artrey in the heat due to chemo.   talking about open heart surgery.  and the doctors are talking about sending him back to work and if they do he will lose disabity forever.. so if the cancer comes back which all info on this cancer. says the odds of it coming back in 2 to 5 years.  the kind of work he did was very very physical. he was a boilermaker. and the doctors said he was dis able.  what are his leagal rights. what kind of mixed up country is this we had to wait 6 months to get the 1st check. most people don't have enough saving to live for 6 months now days. it's like they hope you die and that way they don't have to pay you. and then you have to claim your life insurance as income.  we have just enough to bury him. i guess if you had 50,000.00 or more i could see that.  but we should have the right to have enough money to bury some one.   and not claim it as income.    sorry just tired of of all stress that our goverment has to add to people who are cancer patient. it's not like the doctors and surgeries and pill compaines are making a fornutane.   any ways if any one has info on this problem let me know.  god blessing and healing spirit to all.  maria http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,9371,0.htm Babdal1999 Sun, 04 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT I am in recovery from 8 weeks of radiation and 3 sessions of chemo and all I want to do is eat real food again. I am starting to slowly eat solids again but I am like a baby learning how to eat. If anyone would like to read about my cancer just visit my yahoo 360 page... 360.yahoo.com/survivor32t I am learning that there are alot of people out there with this type of cancer. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,7510,0.htm Survivor32 Sun, 29 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT hello everyone, my husband is pharaxneal cancer has gone thru 43 days of radation and 3 chemo of cityis platuim. ecuse spelling. he has finished wtih tht for 3 weeks now. since then he's had a blood clot in lung and now the feeding tube came out and there is infection. which they called gram postitive cocci. any info on this type of infection helpful. still not able to eat on his own being feed thru iv. god bless all you people and your familys what a thing a person has to go thru. god love. maria s. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,7369,0.htm Babdal1999 Fri, 20 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT Does anyone know how long it takes to get a diagnosis? apparently when i had an mri of my brain, the drs found a mass in my nasal pharyaz and never told me. @ months later my new dr got all my recors and told me about it. so 2 months gone by then 1 month to see ent, ent said it was an adnoid , btw which was removed when i was 5. I also asked her how come on previos cat scans and mri show no mass or adnoid, she said that it must have been poor quility films. I finally said i want to let this go and forget about it, what will be will be. But my dr said no way. He sent me to an oncologist who said it looks to be a maligency. I know that he cannot tell without a biopsy but all the tests indicate it.Im waiting for my appoinment with a medical center to get the biopsy, but he said they might not be able to get at the mass, in which case we will have to watch it grow and try again.Oh btw my father was diagnosed with this type of cancer when he was 50, it took so long to find that he lost alotof nodes , half his jaw, and tounge. It finally went to his brain and he died at 56. They say this is heridery.I have not ever had epstin barr virus but I do have systemic lupus so I dont know if that plays any part. I guess I just want answrs and to share my fears. Any ideas????? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,7057,0.htm Donnalynnm Fri, 29 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT Our family (caucasian) consisted of Dad and Mom and 8 children. My brother age 51 has nasal pharyngeal Stage 3. He starts chemo and radiation this week. Surgery of any type is not possible. My Sister was diagnosed in 1998 at age 51 and died of this same cancer age 53 in 2000. She had massive radiation but could not tolerate any Chemo. Both had the same cancer in the same location in the throat and nasal. In 2000 my sister's doctor told her that this cancer was rare and normally appeared in south east asia or in people that lived or came from that region. Neither my brother or sister have ever been in south east asia. However our Father served there (Philipines) during WW II. He died of lung cancer at age 59 in 1982. Is it possible that our Father could have come in contact with a virus, germ, etc while serving in the Philipines and genetically passed this on to all of us children. And more fearful if that is a possibility could we pass that same condition onto our children and grandchildren? Is there a test available that could detect that type of cancer? It just seems so strange that two siblings have the same cancer in the same location diagnosed at the same age. Also another brother was diagnosed and died of stomach cancer in 1997 at age 47. He served in Viet Nam. Our Mother was diagnosed with MS at age 35 in 1960 and died in 2001 at age 75. She spent most of her adult life combatting MS in a nursing home. Thank you in advance for any information you may have. And Lord bless all of you as I know that we all face these same type of troubles. God's love to all: Harleyman http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,4379,0.htm Harleyman Sat, 04 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT Can anyone give me some advice or experience about continuous sickness after bypass surgery. Basically my dad went for op to remove tumor from head of pancreas and they found mets on liver so they did a bypass procedure to remove the need for stents. However, since the surgery he has been being continuosly sick for last 5-6 weeks. The surgeons dont seem to know what is causing it, they have done scans but all they can see is some abnormal movement from lower stomach. It was initially over a litre of green bile/day but is now less than that and a yellow colour. The hospital have said that he may need to stay on liquids if it does not clear up but he is still sick after this. We hoped it would get better but he is now losing hope and not eating..has anyone had similar experience or knows if this is a sign it is getting better, how long it can last etc many thanks Richard http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,4334,0.htm Richel7 Tue, 31 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT My sister was diagnosed with stage T4 nasal pharyngeal cancer in April 2001. She went through extensive chemo and radiation and lost about 90 pounds. Since she has been cancer free she has developed many complications. She lost her hearing in both ears and just recently lost her sight in one of her eyes. It seems like every other week she is in the hospital with some kind of infection. She also suffers from short term memory loss and has thyroid problems. I would like to know if someone else is still having complications after their treatments? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,3240,0.htm Angel t Sat, 22 Oct 2005 00:00:00 GMT My Grandfather was diagnosed with Pharyngeal cancer yesterday after a biopsy. 15 years ago he had a really extensive surgery where parts of his tongue was removed and most of his jaw bone. He wasn't able to eat solids again but he has been able to drink fluids and talk. I can still remember how hard it was to see him suffer so. He has now been diagnosed with cancer again. This time the doctor told us that the cancer is at stage III and that he would have to remove the tumors that have formed behind his tongue, including his vocal cords. My Grandfather is 79 years old and besides the cancer his health has been great. But I don't think he'll go through with it this time. I don't think he can even have radiation again! Our family doesn't know what to do or what to expect or even what options there is. The worst of it is he doesn't know his biopsy came back positive. The doctor will tell him this Tuesday. How will he react? I know deep down he knows. I wish noone had to go through this.....ever! I ask God for strength for myself and for everyone else that has had to see the pain that cancer causes both physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,3139,0.htm Emimely Fri, 07 Oct 2005 00:00:00 GMT Hi, My father-in-law was diagnosed with Pharyngeal Cancer in October 04. He received radiation and chemo which ended at the first of the year. The mass was large and they were not able to do surgery for many reasons. He did very well, other than being tired and not able to eat. He has a feeding tube in his stomach and is still using that for 99% of his intake. When the cancer was diagnosed, the doctors mentioned two spots on his lungs. Said if it was cancer, the chemo would take care of it. When his treatment was completed, he waited a few weeks for the scans. They came back promising, although the spots on the lungs were still there. The drs. said they were comfortable watching them since they had not changed. Early April, he went for another round of scans. This time they told him they believe they got his throat cancer, but he had 10 new lesions on his lungs. They told him he has an agressive form of non small cell stage 4 lung cancer. The oncologist recommended Tarceva. When he saw the throat dr., he said, it's not really lung cancer, but throat cancer metastisized to the lungs. Is that really any different? He initially thought Tarceva wasn't the way to go but has changed his mind. He is to start taking it as soon as the drug store gets it in. The doctors do not have very good bedside manner...we don't really have very little info. My mother-in-law had to go back to the room to find out what stage the cancer was in. They were very vague about life expectancy. We know they can't tell us for sure, but we have no idea whether to hope for years, or expect months. He looks terrible, sleeps most of the time, and is very weak. Has anyone had a similar experience?? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,1905,0.htm Cindy b Sun, 17 Apr 2005 00:00:00 GMT My husband was told 3 weeks ago he has pharyngeal cancer and we have no medicial Ins. I have been trying to get help but social secuerity is giving me a run around and the medications they giving my husband are very expensive and I can't get help with them any one know some where I can call. I just get to where I can't deal with it and want to give up. So please some help. Thank You, Betty http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,1720,0.htm Firewoman50 Thu, 17 Mar 2005 00:00:00 GMT I was diagnosed with pharyngeal cancer 2 days ago. I believe it is in the hypopharynx. I had this same disease in 1984 and was treated with radiation and it melted the tumor and it went away. I now am again faced with the same thing though in a different spot. I cannot have radiation treatment again. My body won't be able to take it. I have difficulty swallowing. I am facing surgery of that I am certain. I live alone and need moral support. I am an 80 year old woman from the Netherlands. It is in stage 2. I am lonely and frightened. The wheels are in motion for the treatment but I have not as yet consulted with my potential surgeon who will be Dr. David W. Eisele at UCSF (San Francisco). My main worry is will I be able to regain the ability to swallow again after the surgery? I was told it will mean a resection. Thank you for any information you can furnish me. Elizabeth http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,1492,0.htm Musetta Fri, 21 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT After 41 Radiation treatments and 2 Waves of Cisplatin, Chemo, I cannot swallow because my esophagus is completely closed with scar tissue. I informed the Radiologist in November of '03 I could not swallow along with my ENT and Infusion nurses. They recommended, Magic Mouthwash and Zoloft. I lost 45 ibs in less than one month and a G-Tube was inserted in Dec of '03. After my last Rad Treatment, Jan 21, 04 my Ent said to wait 3 months before trying to have my esophagus dilated. It's now September and after 4 Endoscopies, I've been informed I'll need an Esophagectomy and Laryngectomy, which I do not want but tube feeding for almost a year has left me depressed and weak. I had stage 4 Hypopharynx squamous cell carcinoma which has been destroyed and Radical Neck surgery to remove a lymph node. Does any one know of any treatments available, besides surgery, I could pursue to save my Esophagus and Larynx?? Thank you Kindly, Ray http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,1284,0.htm Razor Thu, 02 Sep 2004 00:00:00 GMT