topic Re: Nasopharyngeal cancer diagnosis in I've just been diagnosed

Nasopharyngeal cancer diagnosis

Timo69 — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 23:38:11 GMT

I've just been diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer a few days ago and am just about to undergo the PET CT scanning tomorrow to check for spread etc. My symptoms started about a year ago where I had pretty scary post-nasal bleeding while sleeping which would not stop. It was treated quickly and successfully, though an onset of chronic sinusitis seemed to follow. No further symptoms really presented until small amounts of blood and discharge (especially upon waking) were spat up (the blood amount small and seemingly insignificant - just a little nosebleed). It wasn't until my ears started to really block up (especially on the right side), plus eyes started to water without known cause - that I eventually went back to my GP. We treated it again like a sinus infection and had a course of antibiotics, nasal spray, ear drops and later steroid course. When this did not help the problem, the doctors became more concerned, so off for CT. A paranasal tumour was located and a biopsy done quickly after which has confirmed the cancer.

I am interested to hear from any other sufferers of this rarer (though more common on south-east Asia) cancer type to compare notes on symptoms and possible triggers and to hopefully help anyone who may be experiencing any similar symptoms. I live rurally and we were heavily bush-fire smoke effected, though that may be only coincidental. I had prior hearing damage also (tinnitus) from an exploding tyre event back in 2017 which probably hindered my awareness of the hearing loss progression. I think I may have had the initial bleeding episode due to an aspirin reaction (was taking a daily low-dose due to artery blockage).

Right now, symptoms seem to be regional to my head and neck, though I am starting to feel the fatigue kick in.

My sincere best wishes to all other fellow sufferers. Let's hope to continue as pain-free as possible.

Cheers,

Timo

Re: Nasopharyngeal cancer diagnosis

iloveyoudearly7 — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 07:31:01 GMT

Hi there Timo,

I just recently read your post and was wondering how you were currently doing at the moment?

Re: Nasopharyngeal cancer diagnosis

Timo69 — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 22:52:23 GMT

Hello iloveyoudearly7,

Thank you for checking how it's going. I unfortunately missed my ENT specialists call late on Friday so missed the news with regards to the PET CT scan results. I'm not sure why, though my treatments always seem to occur later in the week and I'm always forced to endure the patience game over the weekend waiting to hear! The powers that be must know I suffer an inherited anxiety issue! 🙂

My symptoms have been fairly steady to date. A little flare-up of the right lymph below ear with increased pain (nearly succumbed to a mild pain-killer but saw it out). I have a tickling sensation in the middle upper part of my back which is quite new. I am a little concerned that the cancer may have moved into a lung (I've read that can occur with my diagnosis), but breathing is still OK and I am told it's all been caught early. Anyway, will find out more today I trust.

I hope you're doing well in whatever journey you're moving with. Take care, and thanks again.

Timo