Recurrent BC in pelvic area

Hi Paul J 

Welcome to the forum . My mum is a stage 4 patient and been in and out of treatment for 14 years but never actually had radiotherapy .

However restarting chemo  has been on the cards . I know between chemo and surgery they like six weeks roughly but not so sure about radiotherapy and chemo as it’s often given together . Have you got an oncologist referral name ? I take it your surgeon referred you for radiotherapy and chemo ? You could ask their secretary for the name of the oncologist you were referred to . Then approach their secretary to ask for an appointment.

Its not inappropriate to ask and see if you have a specialist nurse .

My mum’s oncologist insisted there was no such thing as emergency chemo and asked her if she wanted a holiday first . However I think there is a psychological aspect to it that a holiday does not always resolve so she opted for treatment . It took roughly 3 to 4 weeks to get up and running each time she has gone back on treatment. 
The other aspect we held onto . Due to the rate of cell division sometimes chemo is more effective on faster growing tumours if the person is chemo responsive . That’s how it was explained to me . My mum had fast growing liver tumours and got a great response but when it went to her lungs it was so slow growing she only had surgery .

Our helpline staff could also guide you on timescales on 0808 808 0000

take care ,

Court 

Hi Court, 

Thank you for your message. As surgery was ruled out along with radiotherapy by the surgeon due to extent ot tumour. The oncologist decided on radiotherapy to relieve the pain from the sciatic and spinal nerves.

Other organs involved are what I am now worried about - and if it spreads to my lung.

I have been trying to get hold of the specialist nurse with no luck so far.

Thanks, Paul

Do you have the consultants email ? 
Or phone the switch board and ask to get put through to the consultants secretary. If you have no success with any of that your Gp may have it .

If all else fails you can ask PALs to provide some advocacy on your behalf . 
These are real stressors and you need to have someone to raise this concern with .

I can totally understand your concern . A timescale is required and allows you to plan also .

You should not have to but sometimes it’s necessary to keep speaking up for yourself . Are you affected by the strikes ?

Take care ,

Court 

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospitals/what-is-pals-patient-advice-and-liaison-service/
Hoping you don’t need this but for your information just now .

Court 

Oncology consultant is Dr Henry. He was my oncologist in 5014 as we. I have spoken with his secretary and she referred me to the Mcdermott Unit at my local hospital operated by McMillan. I tried several times today to get through but no answer.

I'll try again tomorrow. GP app next Monday. 

Its the plan and time line I really want so I can make decisions about arranging some trips away to keep on top of my mental health. I can only do this with a time line.

Thank you again, Paul

All the best today and hope you can get through .

There is a lot of planning around treatment . Mum is a year into this fourth recurrence and nine months in treatment. We like to get things in order around holidays and the day to day management of who is taking her , organising support for the following days . It’s a lot of work but very doable when you can take some control over that aspect .

Maybe early doors before they head off to other tasks . So frustrating.

Court