This morning we arrived at the hospital with 45 minutes to spare and, having taken advantage of getting a free parking space for the first time, I decided to call into the Macmillan Information Centre. I asked about complimentary therapies and also brought away a leaflet about some therapies that are available locally for cancer patients - so I will definitely be calling them and arranging a session or two.
On the journey to the hospital I had called BUPA to ask about the possibility of switching on the NHS pathway .... on the basis that private care actually comes with some disadvantages (no medical records transferred across to date, and no ability to get prescriptions signed by the team working on the radio unit). I also asked exactly what BUPA are funding and it seems they are funding ALL aspects of my treatment .... consultant's time, day appointments, the radiotherapy and the team in the unit. Apparently this is extremely rare because typically BUPA cover the consultant's time and then the patient is transferred to NHS and so BUPA don't usually fund the radiotherapy. This disappointed me because we got the impression from our consultant that the way we could avoid the bottle-neck that he typically creates, we would need to get everything agreed to be covered as private care.
When I talked about being a private patient with the NHS receptionist, and made reference to yesterday'd treatment and clinic delays, I was eventually told that whether private or not I was not able to leapfrog the queue. I.e. no benefit even on this aspect. So, what to do? I need to see whether I can resolve this situation ..... but I am not sure whether I can be bothered!
And so, what of today's treatment? It was all absolutely fine and I have had no side effects today. I asked about my planned hair colouring session and they initially advised to not do this due to the chemicals, but then went on to say that if I could guarantee the dye wouldn't touch my skin or scalp then there was no reason to not go ahead. Hair has subsequently been dyed!
I also had a phone chat with my Macmillan nurse .... this was a useful chat and I will consider whether I want a one : one discussion with her at some future point. I told my husband about this option too .... so that needs to rest with him as to whether he wants to do the same.
I need to get off to bed now x
