How to Cope With Nasal Cavity Cancer

The nasal cavity lies in the deep interior of the nose. Treatment for nasal cavity cancer depends on the type of cancer and the extent of any spreading. Surgical removal of the tumor, radiation therapy and chemotherapy remain viable options. Coping with nasal cavity cancer requires the understanding that time brings about healing.

Instructions

Cope With the Idea of Nasal Cavity Cancer

• 1

  Learn about nasal cavity cancer. Information helps relieve stress of not knowing what to expect. Ask your doctor for direction.

• 2

  Rely on friends and family for support. Keep friends in the know on how you feel physically and emotionally.

• 3

  Enjoy personal quiet time for reading or writing down your experience and thoughts.

Cope With dry Mouth

• 4

  Stay hydrated by drinking or sipping water. Even small sips help moisten your mouth. Drinking also aids in cleansing inside your mouth.

• 5

  Ask your doctor to prescribe artificial moisteners.

• 6

  Keep yourself from feeling emotionally down during the healing process.

Cope With Loss of Taste

• 7

  Remember your sense of smell contributes to taste. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery of nasal cavity cancer effects taste, but over time, taste improves.

• 8

  Consider eating foods with stronger flavors and spices. Do this only if your mouth or throat isn't sore.

• 9

  Keep your mouth clean with good hygiene.

Cope With Chewing

• 10

  Stay positive understanding that chewing problems diminish with time.

• 11

  Eat a soft food diet until the difficulty lessens. Follow your doctor's dietary recommendations.

• 12

  Plan on eating smaller portions more often.

Cope With Fatigue

• 13

  Allow time for healing. Let your body take its natural course.

• 14

  Maintain the prescribed diet. Rely on your doctor or dietitian's recommendation.

• 15

  Relax more with less stressful activities. Watch that you're not pushing yourself too hard. Ask your doctor for an exercise program.