So, how do I get cured?

Since it was impossible to remove my growth via surgery, I would have to go through 35 Radiotherapy sessions over 7 weeks, 5 sessions a week (5 days a week). Radiotherapy is a localised treatment to remove the cancer cells by targeting intense x-ray beam at the growth and possible affected areas. Since I am a borderline Stage II, Dr Azrif also recommended a low dosage Chemotherapy at a minimum 5 sessions (maximum 7) over the 7 weeks (once a week) as a precaution to ensure remaining cancer cells in the body (if there are any) are killed. Hubs and me knew that Chemo does not only kill the cancer cells but also the good cells thus it would be harsh and deteriorating to my body. So we decided on Chemo later.

Dr Azrif also explained the temporary side effects of the treatments. Radiotherapy; hair loss at targeted area (above the back of my neck), burnt skin (at neck and shoulder), loss of taste, sore throat and mouth ulcers. Since my Chemo would be at a low dosage, I would not lose hair from it but I would get the usual nausea and fatigue. But he didn't actually say much, probably just like Dr Kuljit, he didn't want me to get too anxious and to worry only when it's time.

I found out later from other NPC patients I met and via online support group that the burn can get so bad until the skin peels which I believe can be excruciating. The sore throat and ulcers can get really bad till you can't swallow or even speak. Can't swallow means you can't eat thus you will lose weight. Rapid weight lost may halt the treatment and to avoid that, the Oncologist may suggests feeding through tube via your nose. Urgh! how uncomfortable is that, right? 

Everything looked so bleak after knowing the scary truth. I worried that my kid would be affected by the changes, how can you not talk to a chatty 7 year old? :( Knowing that things would get really bad, I reached out to my family because I knew I will tremendously need their support physically and emotionally. 

Initially hubs and I decided to keep the news from our family because we didn't want to worry them just yet, just like my doctors. :) But in actual fact, their worry is their love and doa. I was expected to get weak by the days but should still feed myself to sustain thus someone should be around to cook and care for me. Plus, I wouldn't be fit to look after my hubs and kid. So I moved back to my parents'.   

I was lucky to meet a couple of NPC survivors who shared their experience. I prefer to take in from them who has gone through the difficult journey. I also looked up online and found Singapore's NPC Online Support Group that has been very helpful.

But still, treatments and its side effects (also later the after effects) react differently on individual's body as well as mind and spirit. Thus, this blog is created to share my account as a NPC patient and hopefully survivor, Insyaallah.