These notes are specific to me and to The Christie Hospital in Manchester.
I found that self-administering a micro enema is easy. I was freaking out needlessly.
The treatment schedule I have is very flexible. My belief that I would attend at the same time every day was incorrect. Each day, you will be told the time that you need to attend on the same day the following week - if that makes sense.
I have 3 tattoos - but I can't find them. My wife can.
I had a PSA test to produce a 'baseline' pre-treatment. I don't have the results yet but that makes total sense to me. I'll update my profile when I get them.
At 10:05 on a Monday, car park C was, literally, one in, one out. I overheard later that after 09:15 it gets tricky until later in the afternoon. Luckily, some of my appointments are closer to 6 or 7 PM.
I collected a box of micro enemas from the pharmacy (department 14) before my scan, as I'd been advised to do. It's good to allow time for that.
I have been advised, because the treatment schedule can slip on the day, to bring a micro enema with me and come 30 minutes early to do that part of things before the RT itself.
My wife and I went to Maggie's behind The Christie and received a very warm welcome. I'll be going back.
As I say, all this is specific to The Christie in Manchester on a given day. What I'm saying is don't get a fixed idea of how things will go - because they may not, and it could throw you.
Smile a lot if you can.
Chris M
Hello Chris (Odd Man In )
Cracking post - planning scan sorted and "Maggies" in the bag - two more things to tick off on your journey.
I too am under Christies in Manchester - but living in Oldham a slightly different experience.
* My radiotherapy was at The Christie Oldham - one of their outstations.
* They have a gated car park for radiotherapy patients - although living close by I either walked (if it wasn't raining) or got the bus - but I did have the car park code.
* Living that close I was able to self enema at home.
The major issue as you have found is parking - public transport helps if it's easy for you. My wife has appointments at Salford Royal and we use one of the parking apps - we rent someone's drive for 4 hours for about £5.00 and we are assured of somewhere to park - no anxiety about parking or being late.
I wish you well through your radiotherapy fractions - it's just like being on a sunbed!!
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.
Hello Chris (Odd Man In )
This thread:
What you wish you had known before starting Radiotherapy?
From the Radiotherapy group may be of interest.
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.
