nasopharynx cancer

pixysplash
pixysplash Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
i'm 19 and i've recently been diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer. i'm starting radiation and chemo next week for 7 weeks. and then more chemo after. i guess i wonder what it will be like. what about fertility issues? they're recommending i take lupron to shut down my ovaries. has anyone taken that? they also said i could bank my eggs . . . but that's seems like too much.

Comments

  • devildawg
    devildawg Member Posts: 16
    #2
    Hello pixysplash, I was also diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer when I was 23, I am sorry but I can't help you with the fertility questions, but I do know that the told me that the chemo can effect you negatively for that situation.I have been out of treatment for a little over a year and if you have any questions at all, please feel free to e-mail me at jpersondek@yahoo.com.My thoughts and prayers or with you.
  • Christmas
    Christmas Member Posts: 100
    #3
    Pixysplash:
    I can't answer your question regarding fertility, but definitely, at my age of 51, when I received my treatment, I didn't have any concerns about becoming sterile. The treatments made me skip right over menopause.
    The treatments are difficult, but bearable. Please eat as much as you can before your treatment begins. You will lose your ability to eat and your appetite while going through the treatments. I lost a lot of weight(50 pounds), but have gained half of it back. I've sent you an email, so please let me know how I can support you. I can tell you what to expect, but you need to realize that everyone is uique, so my experiences may not be what you will encounter. Radiation affects your salivary glands which affects your taste buds. Healthy saliva is necessary for healthy teeth, so keep those teeth healthy with good dental care and flouride rinses. Too many details. Feel free to email me.
  • kathy1968
    kathy1968 Member Posts: 1
    #4
    I am new to this site and signed up to be a support to people experiencing Nasopharyngeal. I know that each person is different going through this treatment. I believe fertility isssues are the same. My advice to you would be bank your eggs. What ever you do, try your best to be focused on your treatment and strong for yourself. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
  • Mendy
    Mendy Member Posts: 10
    #5
    Pixysplash, I just completed my treatments for the same cancer on 4 Feb 2006. It is going to be a long road to recovery. I am not trying to scare you in anyway or form. Just remember we are all here for you to ask questions throughout your treatments. Before all starts or before you lose your appetite to eat. Eat everything and anything that you can get your hands on. Don't worry about you weight at all. I lost 40 pounds during my radiation. (39 radiation treatments). Please email all of us to get information from us and guidence and of course you have our blessings for you and your family no matter what. Side note: Keep copies of all Medical paper work, Doctors name/ address, Dates/times of medical appts of any sort to apply for disablilty. My email address is mdkmendy@earthlink.net. God bless you and your family.

    Mendy
  • AuthorUnknown
    AuthorUnknown Member Posts: 1,537 Member
    #6
    I am a 42 year old male with 3 of a family. It has been one year since I recieved radiation and chemo. At this time, as others have told you ... eat .... everything .... It is a hard road, but you will get through it. You also need to turn into a medical and insurance expert. Expect answers to all questions. If I were a young male, I would be concerned with fertility and would take steps to bank sperm. If you are being recommended to bank your eggs, I would seriously consider it. If you dont need them, there is no loss. Also take all the support you can get, from friends, family and even websites like this.

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