Ok, so I'm now on the HT/RT pathway ...

Hi Able - A few weeks before RT starts you will be invited to a "planning scan" where you will go through the RT procedure with the radiologist - you will also become the proud owner of 3 tattoo's curtsey of the NHS.

At this meeting you will be able to discuss whare "Mrs Able" can hang around for you. We had a fantastic waiting area with TV, magazines, toilets (for obvious reasons) and even a jigsaw corner. You will only be apart for 10 minuets for each fraction of RT so it's not too long.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi Able, hopefully you are now feeling a little more relaxed having made a decision to have HT / RT & actually started that journey.

I can only speak about the hospital where I am currently having RT (Derriford Hospital Plymouth), but partners/friends are more than welcome to wait for you in a small waiting area which is alongside the treatment area, which is away from the main waiting area.  In addition, Macmillan Cancer also have a support centre on site on the floor above oncology / radiology called Mustard Tree which has a very comfortable waiting area plus free tea & coffee & very friendly & supportive staff.  I'm not sure if similar facilities are available at other hospitals, but may be worth looking into. The following is taken from their web site 

''We offer a cosy and comfortable environment for patients, relatives and carers to share concerns, ask questions and access a range of support.

The Mustard Tree Cancer Support Centre is staffed by Macmillan professionals and trained volunteers, some of whom have had a personal experience with cancer.

We are able to offer information about your illness, details of the support that is available and the opportunity to talk to someone about how you feel.''

I have driven to & from all my appointments without any issues (including rush hour traffic), the journey taking approx 45 minutes each way, so hopefully you will be able to continue driving rather than needing someone to take you.

Wishing you all the best in your treatment journey.

Brian

Hello Abel, I’m glad you have managed to find the pathway that feels the best for yourself . It’s a horrible decision to have to make but I hope that it now goes smoothly for you. Do let us know how you get on and I really wish you all the very best.

Millibob said:

you will also become the proud owner of 3 tattoo's curtsey of the NHS

Ah, my first!

I really hope they are those symbols like you see on the crash dummies. ;-)

Buzzers said:

hopefully you are now feeling a little more relaxed having made a decision to have HT / RT & actually started that journey

I am indeed (thanks).

Thanks also for the info re (hopefully) the Mrs being able to be with me and I have also heard mention of 'Maggie's' sometimes having a presence in the hospitals and offering similar services to the Mustard Tree.

As long as she knows I'm nearby she should be ok.

I am fortunate to only be about 8 miles from my treatment hospital but the time can vary enormously, depending on the time of day.

One outstanding question that I don't know how to follow / chase up is the option of being given the PACE-C treatment? I mean, it looked like it was 'out there' according to the lady running it who was on TV the other day and assuming I am suitable (I think it went up to Gleeson 8 etc), and I think I learned you often have to push a bit for such things?

Hi WW and thanks for your thoughts. ;-)

I think without access to a crystal ball it will only be time that will qualify if I made the right decision or not, but I had to choose one and RT seemed to be the least painful and most hopeful (re ED and incontinence) if nothing else!

Had it been the Mrs she would have marched straight into the surgery, as she did with her full knee replacements (and was awake and watched on being done <gag>), carpel tunnel, tennis elbows, a trapped nerve released on her spine having both cataracts done, oh, and not forgetting a miscarriage, one natural birth and a caesarian.

Hi Able

Sadly they aren't!

Scampidoodle said:

Sadly they aren't!

Doh! Nothing stopping me enhancing them though? ;-)

I need to sort out some cold / wet weather gear for when the Mrs and I go out with her wheelchair. It's not too bad if she's walking (re keeping dry / warm) but if you are sat still you can get cold and without a something that covers her and the chair, she could also get a wet bum.

We borrowed a sort of fleece lined leg cocoon thing from my Mum for one trip but I don't think it was waterproof.

It's a fairly lightweight / foldable ally chair and I replaced the solid rubber tyres for puncture resistant pneumatic ones, slime filled tubes and carry a complete puncture repair solution (tube, levers, repair kit, pump etc), just in case. The pneumatic tyres made a marked difference to the solid ones, especially when on the non paved tow-paths, both in reduced rolling resistance and ride comfort.

I don't mind the extra work pushing her in the chair as I need a lot more exercise than her because of my overall build (6'2", 15st etc).

I struggled to find mine after the initial tattooing but good luck! Might not have a go until after your sunbed sessions are over though!

Hello Able, at some point I looked at the stats for survival after both surgey and the RT/HT routes. There’s minimal difference! My husband took the Rt/HT route. He had some difficult months but seems to be doing ok now!