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Sabre Radiotherapy

Vicster77
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My dad was diagnosed with melanoma and has been treated with targeted drugs for the last three years. It has recently metastasised to his kidney. My dad has a secondary growth on his adrenal gland on his left kidney. His oncologist has devised a treatment plan of sabre radiotherapy every other day for five days. Today was due to be his third treatment which was abandoned due to his bowel being too close to the target area. We have been asked to return the day after tomorrow. Is this a frequent occurrence? He has come away feeling worried. 

kind regards and thank you in advance

Vicky 

  • Hello Vicky

    Thank you for getting in touch. My name is Helen, I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.

    Welcome to the online community.

    I was sorry to read that your dad has had his SABR radiotherapy halted for the moment, I am sure that is worrying to him.

    Because the treatment is so precise, any movement to the position of the adrenal gland is significant. The movement of the digestive tract can alter the position of the gland and mean the treatment planned would be ‘off course’. You can see more information here produced by Christie’s Hospital.  

    It is not uncommon for treatment plans to require review. Your dad’s team is wanting to make sure that there is no risk to his health by continuing the SABR radiotherapy without a check appointment and discussion.

    Hopefully he will be able to recommence his treatment when it’s safe to do so.

    I hope this information is useful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in contact by email, webchat or phone, if you need further information or support.

    The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.

     

    Best wishes, Helen

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

     

    Ref HM/KS

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