My story: I was diagnosed by my local District Hospital (A) who referred me to Hospital (B) for radiotherapy. (B) then said they could not treat me due to my 2 replacement hips. My 2 consultants (Oncology & Urology) at (A) were “surprised” (I am being very diplomatic here !) at this response. To be fair, I do not think that (B) gets many, if any, referrals from (A)………..but so…. ? I was then referred to Hospital (C) who gave me a Planning Appointment, completed with no problems. On my first radiotherapy treatment at (C) I asked the radiologist what problems/difficulties/differences my 2 replacement hips made to my treatment. His reply - “none whatsoever”.
I am confused, even more so, as (B) had just opened, with much publicity, a new multi zillion pound cancer unit. I have read that some hip replacement patients have even been told that they cannot even have CT or MRI scans, yet my initial diagnosis was all done at (A) with the full panoply of CT, MRI and Bone scans. No potential scanning problems were mentioned there, or at (C) during Planning or treatment.
Having now completed my RT I am left with the impression that I was getting different (better ??) treatment at (C) than I could/would have received at (B). No enemas, no tattoos – just drink 500ml of water, wait 30 mins – then 10 mins (ish) on the machine. No problem ! Does (B) just take, perhaps, the “easy” cases ?
In short: Why do my hips appear to be a ”show stopper” at (B) – but pose absolutely no problems at (C) ? Is there a huge difference in the equipment available at the two hospitals ?
I do intend to query this at my first follow up appointment (mid Jan) with the Oncologist but would be interested if any other “hippies’” have had similar experiences in this area.
Many thanks,
John
Hello John (moonrakerz)
I did read somewhere that the new technology with Radiotherapy would be using laser measurements to "zap" the prostate with no need for tattoos and with more accuracy - perhaps this has arrived at C?
The whole way the NHS works amazes me - I ended up in our local hospital - no urology department, so I was transferred by ambulance to the nearest urology ward, another hospital another NHS trust. My home town hospital using pen and paper notes, the new one all digital!!
The good thing is you have been "zapped" and progress has been made.
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
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Hello John (moonrakerz)
Thank you very much for the information and the link - that sets my mind at rest, I know I wasn't dreaming when I said there was new RT kit about where you don't need tattoos! (I would add at 69 years old my 3 dots are the only one's I have).
As for the NHS - yes, it moves slowly but works. In times of need it works well and to be honest it's thanks to their prompt action I am writing this (see my journey by clicking on my avatar or name).
As a Community Champion I see the NHS at work (or not as the case may be) in various areas of the UK - it's a lottery, your treatment path can be so different in one area to another for people with an identical diagnosis.
It's not broken but very much a work in progress.
Stick with us, your contributions are great and I wish you well with your continuing journey.
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
