Hi
I'm Paul and I was diagnosed with throat cancer about 6 weeks ago,
My wife and I live in France (near Brive) and, at present, can't fault the system. I've had a vasculer access port put into my chest and started on Cysplatin, Erbitux and 5FU two weeks ago and have had one weekly dose of Erbitux since then. I'm on a cycle of treatment which consists of:
Day 1 - Cysplatin, Erbitux and 5FU. The 5FU is in a small pump which I take home with me and the 5FU goes in over 2 days.
Day 8 - Erbitux
Day 15 - Erbitux
Day 21 - as day 1
I have to do 3 of these cycles and then, if all is clear, I have 35 days of radiotherapy.
Only side effect so far is that I have developed a terrible rash (pustules etc) on my face and chest. They are treating this but I still can't bear to look in the mirror!
All my costs re the cancer are met by France as it is an "affectation de longue duree". My GP filled in a form to get this for me. Also, if your income is below a certain level (About €9500 pa for a couple) you can apply for a free top up insurance which covers all other health costs..
