My Radical Radiotherapy Starts Today!

Thanks for you message.

Just having 19 fractions over four weeks so only three weeks to go.

It will be over all too soon as I've been on a bit of a high since it started because for the first time since diagnosis, I've really felt as if I'm receiving treatment to kill off this dreadful disease. I know I've been on Zoladex (HT) but a stomach implant once every three months, which I know is weakening and controlling the cancer, doesn't really feel as if anything is happening.

So onward into week two.

Keep in touch.

Steve

Hi,

Day Six,

Had an 11.15am appointment, arrived an hour early as my restricted flow problem is barely a trickle now and I wasn't sure I could empty my bladder to be able to drink my 500ml of water. I checked if I should drink the water and they told me to have a go if I could. I managed it and while waiting for my call to go for treatment, I was called in to review my first five days.

They were generally pleased with the way things had gone apart from the flow problems which they decided they were going to give me tablets for. Only problem was that they had to get the ok from my oncologist.

My treatment, which because of the review was 30 minutes late, went ok apart from me feeling like I was going to burst (nearly an hour after I had drunk my water on an already pretty full bladder). They asked me to wait, after my dash to the loo (which produced less than "half a cup" of pee!), so they could sort out my tablets. I waited but then they said it could it take a while because my oncologist wasn't available so I ended up leaving without the tablets yet again. I did have an appointment with my GP to have my Zoladex implant so I couldn't afford to miss that, so I couldn't wait any longer.

I'm getting a bit frustrated this evening because my flow has almost stopped and tomorrow's appointment isn't until 4.20pm and it will probably take a couple of days for the tablets to work, once I get them.

Feeling a bit fed up.

Steve

Edited by member 21 Oct 2014 at 22:18  | Reason: Not specified

Hi Steve,

I agree with Kevin and Ray, I really would do a bit of jumping up and down (not literally) but he who shouts loudest and all that that. If the flow slows even more I would go to A&E . In the past I have held of from making a fuss and eventually have got to A&E to be told you should have come hours ago.

You must be feeling fed up, it will all sort it self out but don't be fobbed off.

BFN

Julie X

Thanks, Kevin, Ray, Flexi, Julie and Mo for all your messages.

Day Seven (Wednesday):

I rang the hospital this morning and said I was coming in to get my tablets because I couldn't wait any longer.  When I got there they suggested I could have my RT fraction so I didn't have to come back later in the day (my appointment was for 4.20pm) and then I could see someone in the Urology Department about the tablets after that.  After nearly three hours I finally left the hospital with a box of Tamsulosin, at last!  I was so relieved to finally get them but annoyed that it proved so difficult. Just have to wait for them to work now.

Sorry I've not replied earlier but I've been working since leaving the hospital.

Signing off now as my next fraction is due for 8.40am.  At least I can sleep easier knowing that things should get better.

Steve

Edited by member 22 Oct 2014 at 23:49  | Reason: Not specified

Hi Steve,

As Kevin mentioned, I was put on a double dose of Tamsulosin midway through my RT, as peeing trouble worsened.
Before she prescribed that dose, my specialist oncology nurse checked my BP as one side effect can be dizziness.

As it happen, I was never dizzy while taking the capsules.

Good luck. I hope things start to ease up for you very soon.

All the best,

George

Day Nine (Friday):

Had 8.40am appointment, done slightly early.  Wasn't sure if the water I drank had worked it's way through the system as I'd only finished it 25 minutes before but I did feel I needed to dash to the loo immediately after the session had finished.  I wasn't sure if I'd emptied my bladder before I started my water because my flow is still quite weak. 

Was given my appointment list for next week, was disappointed to find that I've been given a 1.15pm appointment for next Thursday as I have a major job beginning at 1.45pm, 15 miles away.  I had requested at the start of my treatment if I could have morning appointments so I could continue to work.  So happens next week, this is the only job I have on the diary so I asked if it was possible to swap it for an earlier appointment.  I was the first person to be handed their appointment list, as I was first patient of the day, so I would have thought it would be a fairly simple to swap round times as no one else had received their list yet but they said I couldn't change it.  When I suggested that would it be possible to skip that appointment and tag it on to end of my treatment, they said I couldn't do that.  I left frustrated that they were being so awkward because the majority of the patients I see in the waiting room are pensioners and it probably wouldn't matter if their appointment times were slightly different.  My appointment needs only to be 30 minutes earlier to be able to do my job. 

Sorry to unload like this but I feel pretty fed up.  The client is not going to be pleased when I have to cancel the job, they may not come back to me to do future work so it could be very costly. 

When I had my RT review last Tuesday I was told that they would be there for me if I had any problems. I mentioned then that being self-employed, if I didn't work, I can't pay my bills but they seem to forgotten that.  A week without work will cause me real problems.  It's stressful enough having cancer without having these problems on top.

Steve

Edited by member 25 Oct 2014 at 02:37  | Reason: Not specified

Hi Steve,

i am very disappointed to hear that your RT unit is being so inflexible.

My own experience was much different.
At Newcastle, I could change appointments any time I needed.

I wouldn't let up on this if I were you. Get in touch by phone as soon as you can and stress your need to get your work done.

Or.....as Kevin says, if they remain inflexible, your car will mysteriously break down en route and you'll have to phone to tell them you can't make it for 1.15.

GOOD LUCK!

George

If they had a machine go down they would have to rearrange everyone's appointments so it can be done.

Sorry your big ends are playing up especially on Thursday.

xx

Mo