Navigating treatment alone

Hi. I've not had radiotherapy (yet) so I can't comment on that. My brother in law is having radiotherapy at the Christie in Manchester and they were really helpful regarding appointment times. He goes in the evening which means his son can take him after he finishes work.

He is in and out within 30 mins. 

Not sure this helps but I hope so as you seem to have a lot on your plate without this additional worry. Xx

Hello. Due to covid I did all my appointments and treatment alone. My sister drove me to and fro hospital twice - once for surgery and once to Christie for my radiotherapy planning meeting as it can take a couple of hours and I hadn't fathomed the parking out. Click my name to read my tale. I never met oncologist who was retired locum helping out. The new lady did follow up call but have received no copy letter or info. The planning meeting was with a senior nurse who explained what they do - line you up, take CT scan, tattoo a couple of dots and then they give you schedule. Very friendly and helpful. If you are driving use car park c at Manchester. Worth a trip to Maggies too as opposite the hospital for some chill out time if you need it x

Thanks so much x

That’s great. Thanks so much x

For extra info, I drove myself to rads. Weather was a bit warm some days as it was Aug/sept, parking could be difficult but still managed to get in. I had mainly afternoon appointments but this meant they often didn't run to time so be prepared to wait. I think my longest delay was 2 hours so take a book or music to listen to so you aren't bored x

Thank you so much. I’ve booked a taxi for tomorrow which has lifted some stress. I’ll then take it a day at a time. X

Hi

at your meeting with the oncologist they will explain your ongoing treatment to you with its associated risks and benefits and obtain your consent to proceed to radiotherapy.

You will then be referred to the RT team and get your appointment for your planning CT scan which is usually about two weeks later.My oncologist give me my appointment but usually it’s the RT team who contact you.

The planning scan isn’t a diagnostic one but is done to ascertain the your position for your radiotherapy treatment..It takes about 30 mins in total.

I was a radiotherapy radiographer and lots of my patients drove themselves to

appointments.You may feel tired during your treatment so maybe a friend could drive you if you feel you can’t manage to drive safely.

best wishes

That’s really informative. I feel like I’m flying blind at the moment. Thanks so much x

You are welcome…..please ask if you have any questions re RT .I’m always happy to help if I can.

Hi CazzieC, like you I’ve done this while divorcing, not an easy gig, I feel for you, my divorce finally came through mid chemo last year. Regarding radiotherapy, I had it in 2013 and drove to all my appointments, I was tired towards the end but had no issues with driving, the tiredness for me escalated the week after the actual treatment x