Stage 4 Diagnosis

User

Posted 11 Jan 2019 at 17:48

Betty, be more proactive! If you live close to the hospital pick up a blood test form from the nurse. If not, you should have a GP practice nurse who can do the test and you should be able to get it done next day (after the weekend). There is nothing magical about the form. It just lists the specific tests needed, which the specialist nurse can tell you. If you're lucky you can book the test on line at the hospital bloodtaking dept, which saves the queuing. Alternatively, you can probably book it at your GP through a Patient Access app or similar, if you have enrolled via your GP practice. Quick as you need the results with the consultant by next Friday!

User

Posted 11 Jan 2019 at 18:42

Thanks AC. The nurse finally returned my call and said the form was in the post (2nd class). However he said if we went to the hospital on Monday he can have the blood test there. So we’ll def have results by Friday 🙂

User

Posted 21 Jan 2019 at 07:59

So, the consultant did have the blood test results in time for the appointment on Friday. The HT has been doing its job as PSA down from 1429 to 2.9 after two treatments. Sounds good to me. He has been referred for another MRI also radiotherapy to the hip in case of cancer cells on the hip replacement (I think that’s what he said). Then on to chemo in about six weeks.

Thanks for the advice OC.

Betty

User

Posted 21 Jan 2019 at 08:17

I mean AC! 🙂

User

Posted 21 Jan 2019 at 08:20

Fantastic results Betty, very positive.

John

User

Posted 21 Jan 2019 at 08:59

Indeed. The wonders of science! Thanks John.

User

Posted 22 Jan 2019 at 17:35

Hi again, on a different note, the specialist nurse has got in touch to say he’ll be sorting out a DS 1500. Is this good news?

Thanks

Betty

User

Posted 22 Jan 2019 at 18:44

It is the application form for attendance allowance or PIP which is available to people who have a serious health problem or disability. People who are classed as terminally ill can get a higher rate of attendance allowance which is not means-tested, if they are over state pension age and meet certain criteria. People who are under state pension age are entitled to PIP instead - it is the same application form.

Edited by member 22 Jan 2019 at 18:47 | Reason: Not specified

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 22 Jan 2019 at 18:54

Thanks Lyn. Would my husband qualify for PIP? He’s hoping to get working again (he’s a freelance engineer) when he’s got through the radiotherapy and the chemo and when the pain in his back has reduced. He’s Stage 4 with widespread mets but responding well to HT. I’m not sure how it works.

Betty

User

Posted 22 Jan 2019 at 19:13

The DS1500 also gets you fast tracked for a Mobility car with a higher rate PIP so one of the McMillan nurses told me, if you're under 65 and I'm 65 next birthday.

I mentioned this to my Specialist Cancer Nurse who told me although I'm stage 4 and incurable they wouldn't support furnishing me with a DS1500 due to my positive response to treatment.

Don't know if that is a good thing or bad thing.

User

Posted 22 Jan 2019 at 20:08

Betty I think you need to talk to the nurse specialist about why he thinks your OH would meet the criteria.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 23 Jan 2019 at 06:54

Thanks Lyn, I will do.

Best wishes

Betty

User

Posted 23 Jan 2019 at 07:45

Jasper - that sounds like a good thing to me!
Best wishes
Betty

Edited by member 23 Jan 2019 at 07:48 | Reason: Not specified

Notification

Join the online community now.