T4 N2 M0 base and centre of tongue p16-positive
Hi
I'm on the verge of commencing my Chemo / Radiotherapy treatments next week (Wednesday 26th) and whilst i don't have dates for the entire Chemotherapy treatments as yet I'm guessing the RT is going to be daily.
I live alone in a smallish village in Lincolnshire and about 20 miles from the Hospital. Looking ahead positively, I'm keen to try and maintain as much independence as possible or I am able.
I know we all react differently and I realise I wont be able to drive myself to the hospital on the days I have Chemotherapy (have been told not to) but how likely is it that I'll still be able to drive myself about and particularly to and from the Hospital on the days where i just have radiotherapy? Or will I need to arrange transport? I'd welcome your experiences.
Thanks Allen
You will probably need to arrange some transport from around the end of week 3. I felt that I could have driven throughout but by around week 3 you will probably be starting on opioid painkillers and that really precludes you from safely driving at that stage. It is no illegal, but you could be in serious trouble from impaired judgement. Is there a "link" scheme or similar hospital driver scheme in your area as they may be able to help out if you have no other options? I have a 100 mile round trip and was offered to stay in the hospital, but frankly that is the last place you want to be unless you need to be there.
Good evening Allen, as a fellow wife I can only tell you how treatment effected my hubby. He had daily RT treatment and two CT,one every two weeks in-between. After a few sessions he became too fatigued to drive. Our medical team arranged hospital transport for every single appointment, the only downside was, that we sometimes had to travel with others and waiting times were long. I guess you have to wait and see how treatment will effect you. What has your oncologist advised in doing? I believe for most on this site, treatment was challenging and driving became not advisable. Hope your journey will go without too many bumps. All the best fellow wife Mel.
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