Start of treatment journey....

https://strataxrt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Patient-Information-Leaflet-Strataxrt-2021.pdf 

this would be a useful leaflet which states it should not be removed during the radiotherapy 

Strata isn't even available here. I'm gobsmacked at how much better the meds are in the UK than here. 

Hi just to say it is not produced in the UK but Switzerland I think. The hope cancer care in Australia ship to the US but I should imagine it takes a while to get it. If we buy it online it is here virtually the next day! It is quite expensive but a 50g tube should last for 90 days but not when you have to reapply several times due to bum traffic!

 Jaycee12  I laughed out loud at “bum traffic” in the radiotherapy waiting room! Thanks for cheering me up 

My parcel said posted from Oswestry which is just over an hour from me how strange xx

Thank you so much.  Sorry to be a pain with all these questions but I'm on day 2 and I've been saying to them that I think it's spread because the pain area is bigger and they emailed the oncologist and said they would check me. Today I received a letter with appointment this Thursday to see oncologist.  I'm worrying now that they are going to tell me that it's spread again as it seems to early for an appointment.  Did you all have one with oncologist after 4 days of treatment? X x

No worries Janita, please always feel free to ask any questions -

I'm not sure this helps you but thought I'd share the following of my experience:

My treatment was delayed due to a dental issue and in this time I felt the pain from the cancer had got a lot worse.  This worried me thinking it had grown a lot more / spread - I also have in lymph nodes in groin. So, just before treatment began I had a number of extra Q's for the oncologist, which I emailed.  I assumed he'd email me back, however, he arranged an appointment to discuss them in person. This was only a few days before my treatment began. I stated I was worried it'd spread but he was not concerned about that or the delay to my treatment, he was more concerned that my treatment may be interrupted and wanted to check the dental matter had been dealt with.  He discussed my other concerns and I left feeling somewhat better. 

I did not have another meeting just after the treatment began, that is scheduled in for the 4th week (tomorrow for me).  The nurses are very attentive and will always try to help assist you with any issue you may have.  Every day they will ask you how you are and it's an opportunity to let them know so they can seek the correct help for you.  I did see other oncology doctors that were on the ward to assess patients and prescribe medication. It may just be the case they have passed on your concern and the oncologist wants to speak with you to reassure you on the pains.  I may be wrong, but I would have thought they would need to carry out extra scans, such as the CT scan / PET scan to fully reassess the cancer, in which case they would not have started treatment.  Please try not to worry, I think it's a good thing the oncologist wants to speak with you, hopefully it'll be a case of easing your worries as they appreciate you have a lot going on during this difficult time.

I hope all goes well at the meeting and for the rest of your week xx 

Aw thank you,  yes that definitely helps and reassures,  this cancer is a real head game isn't it. I will keep myself busy until then and think of as many questions that I'd like to ask. . So glad you are on your 4th week and getting through and may the time be kind! 

Thanks again x x 

Hi Janita ,

Please don’t ever be afraid to ask questions here, this is the beauty of this group, we’re here to help & support one another & if those of us that are a little further down the line can help then the group is doing it’s job. Its always wise to get the opinion of your treating team though as we can advise from experience but we’re obviously not medically trained, you’ve already done this so all’s good. 

I know my treatment was 5 years ago & different hospitals have different protocols but I was seen weekly by my oncologist all the way through treatment, he did skin checks & asked about my general well-being etc. Your radiotherapy team will be able to advise with creams/solutions etc., to help with side effects of the radiotherapy but your particular concern I would think they’d pass straight back to your oncologist (hence the appointment) so that hopefully he/she will be able to ease your concerns. I suffered a lot of what I now understand to be internal inflammation during & after radiotherapy so it may be something as simple as that which you’re feeling. 

I hope all goes well on Thursday, let us know how you get on. 

Nicola 

Hello Janita

I didn't have any appointments with oncologist apart from initial one when he told me what would happen and then in week 4 to see how I was getting on. I think - although I'm no expert - that they wouldn't do an internal exam of you once treatment is underway because it could be very uncomfortable and believe as Em said that the only way of telling about spread is by scans. He probably wants to answer questions & reassure you.  I remember the first consultant I saw said the tumour would just melt away and I can remember in week 3 feeling that the obstruction when I went to the loo seemed to have gone.  I understand your fears and its hard not to imagine all sorts but hang in there.  Take your phone with you to oncologist and record what he says so you can listen afterwards and take it in properly.

Hugs

Carole x