Waiting for Radiotherapy mapping appointment

Hi Fellsider the waiting is the worst. I can't remember the exact timetable but I think it was at least a couple of weeks from being referred by my consultant to seeing the oncologist. I was officially diagnosed on the 23rd July and started treatment on the 30th september. Good luck with everything. Xx

Yes, it is usual to be waiting a few weeks whilst they have meetings with various specialists to decide best course of treatment for you. I believe it is a fairly slow growing tumour, so they will take the time to plan and to get it right for you.

I found it helped me to think of this pre-treatment time as sort of preparation and training. Plan your menus in case you don't feel like cooking, or think about snack meals you could have if you lose your appetite a bit. Start moisturising your underneath just so the skin is in good condition (but don't put it on when you are going for any sort of appointments in case it affects things). Look at buying some soft pants, I think people like the boxer-type shorts. Treat yourself to some lovely shower gel and gentle water wipes, and look at sitz baths and portable bidets (HappyPo) to help keep you clean and soothed. There are lots of tips and advice on this forum.

I do hope you hear soon and get started on your treatment, please let us know how it goes.

So agree with Mrs Vanilla - get loose clothes sorted / bought so you can wear them without rubbing, check which pharmacy you may  use if you are given any prescriptions (we struggled the first few times then my friend works at Boots and we set up an email method from the Macmillan Nurse to her branch direct)   Also the Sitz bath - get it ordered as it was a game changer for me, I couldnt sit in a bath but this sits on the Toilet and I have a tiny bathroom so could reach warm and cold taps to fill quickly, refill wash out well.  Its very private all the information on here so have a read, don't panic and ask anything anytime  - its been invaluable for us all.

Hope you get a start soon x You will get through this x 

Love Angie 

Hello Fellsider

It wouldn't hurt to give them a ring; sometimes they might even tell you there and then that an appointment has been made but it hasn't filtered through to you yet.  The waiting around prior to treatment starting is such a stressful time and then when everything starts you will feel much more in control of what is happening.

I was referred by the colorectal surgeon to the oncologist but they operated out of the same clinic at my local hospital so it was relatively easy.  I hope very much that you don't have much longer to wait.

Irene xx

Thank You. Your reassurance and advice is really useful and appreciated. Thanks for being here!

Thanks Angie. Sitz bath has arrived. Also some epson salts which I understand may or may not help but worth a try as they cannot do any harm. I'm getting as well prepared as I can. Everyone has been so helpful and supportive. It has eased so much for me. Thanks Again

Thanks again Irene. Apparently the mdt meetings are on a Weds so hopefully my case will come up tomorrow. I'll take your suggestion and if I haven't heard by friday I'll give them a ring. I really didn't think the waiting would bother me but it appears it does!  Everything else, the cancer, the treatment and even the possible side effects and ultimate outcome I'm quite pragmatic about and am not worried about unduly.

However I'm sure it's being here with you all that gives me the confidence and strength.  Thanks again.

Hi Fellsider 

Check with your radiotherapy team about epsom salts as I happened to mention to mine I was using them and was told to stop immediately. Different places seem to give different advice. X

Thanks again Bungle. I'll check with them.

Hi Bungle! Just wondering how you are doing post treatment. I’m just coming to the end of week 4 and this week has started cto be uncomfortable at times for me. Using my sitze bath more often and Flamigel. Did you use painkillers and if so which did you find most helpful?

Hoping life is returning to some kind of normal for you.

Happyflower

xx