December 2021
1 Kudo
Hi Reverend, I am a male of 52 years and I've also struggled with hormonal imbalance my whole adult life which has been very difficult to manage. I got a dire (in type though thankfully not stage) nasopharyngeal cancer (sinus cancer) diagnosis just after I turned 50 years old. I've since struggled with that and continued hormonal issues exacerbated by the stress of cancer treatment. My hormonal imbalance is caused by overactive adrenal glands (inherited maternal side) producing too much cortisol (stress hormone) and too much adrenaline. This has also lead to nasty digestive related issues like IBS-D. High stress over a long period of time is massively damaging systemically and I've thrown the book at trying to get the resultant inflammation down. Unfortunately, success has been mooted and I believe the inflammation was a large contributor to my cancer development (in combination with inhaling carcinogens). I have most recently found an wonderful herbal treatment called 'Ashwaghanda'. It is very tested and very powerful at inhibiting the hormone over response of the adrenals. I am only on a mild anti-depressant in combination with it and I've recently found myself in a very calm place. I am able to get out and about without panic or anxiety now and are generally much happier. It is critical to try and calm those hormone releases in whichever way you may. Meditation, a pet, walking in nature, reading, whatever! You'll know when your inflammation markers reduce as the body pains will significantly reduce. A diet high in anti-oxidants is really helpful as well. I follow the Mediterranean diet and it's really working for me. Keep battling and all of the best. Timo
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November 2020
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
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November 2020
2 Kudos
Hi Allana, I'm just starting the journey dealing with cancer and haven't received my treatment plan as yet, waiting the PET CT to be done. I've suffered with generalized anxiety disorder my whole life (was a 'shy' kid, but actually have avoidant personality disorder). I really can sympathize with your anxiety over the unknown. Not having control of things really exacerbates the anxiety greatly (except the all important diet, exercise and 'trying' to remain positive which can be controlled to a large degree!). What has worked for me more recently since the shock kicked in is a new (old) very helpful medication - valium. One low-dose in the morning which is when my anxiety is at its worst has really helped me creep out of dark places and stay positive. I'd previously tried a few anti-depressants but side-effects really halted that treatment. Besides the med, I find exercise and eating really well keeps me feeling good about the body side of things and decreases anxiety. I hope your family are positive and supporting too as that is really beneficial. Don't discount the very real impact of the love for a pet can have as a calming influence. They love unconditionally which is priceless. I hope you find some peace with your anxiety very soon. Having GAD really worries me as a stressed body is one which will be a bit distracted when it needs to fight foreign cell invaders! But I think (trust) my newly found med helps me keep as calm as I'll need to be. I hope you find your tonic really soon too. Best wishes, Timo
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November 2020
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
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