Just back from Frankfurt where my husband had treatment for Mesothelioma. After a course of chemo in the UK, left him in remission, his oncologist told him "no further treatment, NHS or private is available here so make the best of what time you have left". Six months on, he is still in perfect health, so when we found a reference to a new method of giving chemo being done at Frankfurt University, and producing very encouraging results. We made enquiries, and he was accepted. Although each of the proposed four treatments will be expensive, and, we also have to pay for flights and accommodation, there was no question that we would not raid our savings to give him the chance to benefit from the new treatment, subject to a final assessment. So, on Monday, not knowing what to expect, we arrived at the clinic. Having attended several gloomy, depressing cancer centres in the UK, we were blown away at the light airy building as soon as we went in. Everything was spotless, the waiting areas were comfortable and spacious, the staff unfailingly friendly and helpful, and above all else, they treated us with respect and dignity. The atmosphere was pleasant and relaxed, and the various stages of scans, consultation and treatment rolled on seamlessly with no endless waiting in between. When his treatment, was over, he was required to rest for a couple of hours in the day ward. A nurse showed me in, and there he was, sitting up enjoying tea and biscuits! I was even more surprised when I was offered the same. Oh yes, I hear your say, of course you went private. Yes we did pay, but this is the standard of care that the German health service gives its citizens. How different from our awful experiences with the NHS, which sadly I see mirrored in so many posts on this website.
FormerMember
Our government here in the US is fighting to get Universal health care coverage for all of its citizens. I adore the thought that all manner of people can get the kind of health care that our politicians enjoy (at our expense) but I am very afraid that they will not learn the lessons of the people of the UK and the difficulties they experience with the health care delivery system they have. Wish us luck.
I've got to say that my experience in our local NHS hospital has been great. When I had a flexible sigmoidoscopy and a colonoscopy, on both occasions I was given tea and biscuits after the procedures. Our Cancer Centre in North Wales was purpose built several years ago and is bright, cheerful and comfortable. When I was first referred to the consultant I was seen within 2 weeks, had a colonoscopy the following week, a CT scan and virtual colonoscopy the week after that and surgery the week after that, so I can't complain, but I realise that this isn't always the case for others.
I hope your husband's treatment in Germany is successful, it certainly looks promising, and I look forward to hearing how things go.
i was dx in the states... although they were very quick at dx and surgery they wouldnt give me any chemo or treatment (even though my hubby had top insurance through his company and the docs took me on as a private patient) i was told there was nothing that could be done as i only had 3 to four months to live. i came back to the uk to die
... saw my oncologist here and the rest as they say is history... 17 months later i am still here and am in remission... who knows how long it will last but i will take my next lot of chemo or whatever they through at me cos its working... so ...for me ... give me the nhs any day...
i have to say if i were in your position i would have done the same... there are new breakthroughs all the time and its our lives.... so grab every chance going.
I was diagnosed within a week of mamogram, which in normal circumstances i wouldn't have had, but due to family history I was given 2 years early, I received my surgery within a couple of weeks, then radiotherapy in a new centre called northern centre for cancer care in newcastle, all staff were brilliant, so personally I am really pleased with the NHS in UK, but yes in your position I would do exactly the same, I would consider going private, I would go to the far end of the earth to get treatment if it kept me with my family, good luck with everything, take care.
I know it's fashionable to knock the NHS but ............
I was diagnosed scanned, biopsied, diagnosed and put on chemotherapy all within a two-week timeframe. I think that, when it works, the NHS is a superb service. I do appreciate that it doesn't always function this way. Follow-up care I have found to be less than helpful. But that's another story.
