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
Hi moonrakerz welcome to the forum.. As far as I can see it is about the radiotherapy maybe causing bone problems afterwards but not 100% on that one. You could try posting in the Ask a Nurse thread on the forum as they may have more knowledge about this. The other thing you could do is to give the Macmillan Line a call as they may be able to direct you to sources of information re this. 08088080000. That said there may be others with experience of this in this thread and I'm sure they will be along soon to offer up any ideas or thoughts. Best wishes for now..
gail
