Oncology

Hi Simon, I’m sure others will say the same but I would suggest taking someone with you. Have questions written down so you both can see them and make a note of each answer. I always say that I record the appointment as I may forget key points - saying it that way seems to work. I tend not to ask as it’s about me and if they refuse it can make someone a bit flustered and so may miss something important.  Don’t be rushed - it’s your time and your treatment. Wishing you all the best. Xx

Hi Simon64 - I know it’s a generalisation, but I saw a MASSIVE shift in attitude and positivity once I had moved from the treadmill of urology to the calm sanctuary of oncology.  My teams at Addenbrookes & Peterborough displayed the epitome of kindness.  They seem to have all the time in the world to answer questions and I never felt rushed.    AW

Hi Simon my  oncologist rang me and he was brilliant my pc is confined to the gland thankfully,he wanted me to have a bowel test which I did and I already had a bone scan so I'm having 20 rounds of radiotherapy starting on the 30th June,I had a week's holiday booked on the 7th June and he sent me a letter saying I was fit to travel hopefully you will be fine mate.     All the best 

Hi aw I'm at Peterborough as well

Thanks all.   I’m just starting on this journey and all help is appreciated.    From my stats.   It’s confined in tz zone.  Gleason 3+4   Less than 10% pattern ;   Pni   Present.   In a weird way I’ll be glad see an oncologist as it will sort of the end of one road and the start of another.  As always.   All comments and advice are welcomed 

Hi Simon (Simon64) 

So I am under The Christie and as you are aware I am a bit of an "odd case" a Gleason 9 with an initial PSA of 182 and no known spread (yet!!). When I went to my oncology meeting I took Mrs Millibob and we were seen by the actual consultant who I am still under. She had taken the time to read all my notes and said she was there for any questions and we had a long meeting covering everything - a few days later we got a full copy of the meeting notes and our agreed plan moving forward.

As we are all different here's a list you might want to look at and pick out anything you may have missed:

Questions For Your Team.

As others have said - if you can take someone with you and take notes. I wish you well.

Kind Regards - Brian.

I only ever met my oncologist the once following my diagnosis in which he set out my proposed treatment and to sign my life away so to speak, I found him pleasant enough but Very matter of fact! Anyway I’ve got the job done now and had a follow up phone call with him and am now discharged to a Urology nurse support team. Hope all goes well for you.

Hi Simon, your diagnosis is almost the exactly same as my diagnosis.

Have you had your treatment path confirmed yet? I’ve been placed on hormones until the results of the second pcsa and mri scans come back.

Hi Simon, the start of the journey is always scary but believe me the NHS staff that will help you are absolutely brilliant. I was diagnosed with Gleason7 last year and immediately put on hormone therapy. I had 9 months of that andc5 weeks of radiotherapy. I have just had my last PSA test before I see my Oncologist in 2 weeks and hope to hear that magic word Remission.  Again I cannot praise all the staff who treated me  AND  do use McMillans and your CSN  for any help, they are brill too. Good luck with your journey  AJ

Thanks all.   Much appreciated