Surviving Stage 3 Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

[Solly Mack]

3. I had radiation to the entire right side of my head, to include the neck.

It took time to produce a small amount of saliva. I didn't feel close to normal for about 5 years. I still can't swallow as well as before surgery and radiation (it's been over 10 years).

The inability to swallow put me into the hospital for a month, this was about 3 weeks after treatment ended, and the result was a feeding tube for a several months. My body was shutting down. It got bad.

Food and drink tasted funny for years. Enjoyment came back slowly and in stages. I still can't tolerate spicy. Things I never thought of as spicy are now too spicy for me.

It does take time, and it won't be on your time frame. Your body controls that.

Sucks, I know.

I was impatient and wanted it over and done with.

Best of luck. Hang in there. It does get better...eventually.

Hoping for clear scans!