← Return to What’s left after my cure for nasopharyngeal cancer
DiscussionWhat’s left after my cure for nasopharyngeal cancer
Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: 3 days ago | Replies (21)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "dear 7881188, lilyann here. so sorry to hear about your husband and can fully understand your..."
Hi Lilyann
I was diagnosed with T4 N1 nasopharyngeal cancer in 2006, and have to say I had a great medical team at PMCC in Toronto. After treatment, and with feeding tube removed - I thought I was 'ok' and after 15 years of follow up with my oncologist, I was officially discharged - in that I no longer require follow-up. But, in summer of 2020 I started not being able to speak in that my words were slurred. I panicked and not know who to turn to - eventually I seek out my my oncologist - after several tests and visits with various depts in PMCC I was then diagnosed with dysarthria and dysphagia and severe neck fibrosis - late effects of radiation -- after almost 15 years !!!
This is an added medical issue for me (a big one !!) - i.e. besides severe hearing loss, food swallowing, teeth & gum issues, taste issues, etc, etc.
I have come to the conclusion that I have to accept and adapt my lifestyle to my current situation - a complete U Turn to what I was prior to my speech issues. To keep my speech issues from getting worse to the point where I am just not able to form a single world - I do dysphagia exercises daily - not sure if this helps .... but .....!!
I hear you .. and all the best in this difficult journey.