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

Able
  • 90 replies
  • 131 subscribers
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Hi all,

Firstly I'd like to thank all those who have tried to offer me advice and support on my PC journey thus far.

I was obviously in a mess (probably not helped by my neurodivergence) and whilst I'm not convinced I'm on the best path re survival, I think I'm on the the best path for me right here and right now and am feeling far happier now I'm doing something.

Some of that required me simply 'letting go', not trying to factor the unknowns or even some of the knowns. That in itself is difficult for me but the sand was running out and I wasn't the only one directly impacted by my situation. And I think that didn't help me, not only trying to make a decision that left me between a rock and a hard place but my rock, the person I would have previously relied on to offer me some logic and support (my wife, pre her dementia) was no longer there for me. Not only that, I have to keep trying to explain the situation to her, leaving me further frustrated that I can't offer her 'an answer'.

Yesterday I went and got my HT prescription, took the first tablet and now hope to be able to carry on with living with my wife and making the most of it whilst we can. ;-)

So can I apologise to anyone who felt I wasn't appreciative of their input because I promise you everything was thrown into the mix, gratefully taken and considered in the spirit it was given.

I feel much calmer now. xx

  • Ensuring I got a car parking space at the hospital was always more stressful for me than the actual treatment so made sure that we always arrived in plenty of time.  On one occasion they were queuing to get into the multi storey, so as we had plenty of time to spare, parked about a mile away and then walked in.  As the RT was a cancer treatment I was given a QR code slip to scan when leaving the car park which was valid until midnight the same day which meant it was free to park. 

    I thought all hospitals in England offered free parking for cancer treatment ( not sure about Scotland or Wales).

    Glad to say that the final 20th RT session was completed on Wednesday, final bicalutamide tablet has been taken and just one more Decapeptyl injection to go in December so normal service slowly returning.

  • in reply to Buzzers

    Hi Buzzers. I see you attended Derriford hospital the same as me. I still go to the Mustard Tree Centre once a week for social visits.

    I have still got 1 month of bicalutamide tablets to take and 4 more decapeptyl injections (3 monthly ending November 2024).

    Congratulations on completing your RT and all is going well for you

    Regards 

    Peter

  • in reply to Buzzers
    Buzzers said:
    I thought all hospitals in England offered free parking for cancer treatment ( not sure about Scotland or Wales).

    From 2019 until 2021 there were three hospitals (which were built under the PFI scheme) that still charged for parking, but all hospital parking in Scotland has been free since 2021. 

    Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift.
    Seamus
    (See my profile for more)
  • in reply to Seamus47

    Cheltenham is Free providing your park in the allocated spaces for Oncology,anywhere else you are charged.Believe problem is,because parking can be hard,people tend to park anywhere including the allocated spaces.

  • in reply to Buzzers

    Hope you didnt have too many problems,the main treatment finished.Well done!

  • in reply to Buzzers

    Hey  - That's great news, it only feels like yesterday we were talking about your planning scan and now you are "fully radiated".

    I hope all goes well for you.

    Best wishes - Brian Thumbsup

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  • in reply to Outdoor Walker

    Hi Peter,

    The Mustard Tree is an amazing resource, providing a comfortable & calm experience with excellent staff & volunteers.  We spent quite a bit of time in there having arrived early & there were a few times I was tempted to nod off.

    The RT seems to have gone well with minimal side effects so far & even the hot flushes seem to be receding.  I hope your journey goes well

    Kind Regards

    Brian

  • in reply to 10Up

    Thank you 10Up.

    Fortunately I haven't had many side effects to date from the RT (hope I haven't spoken too soon).  Although it has been a bit tiring, that's more from the early starts & travelling to & from the hospital for 4 weeks.  I really feel for the guys that have to have longer courses of treatment.

  • in reply to Millibob

    Thank you Brian,

    Must say, I haven't noticed any tan starting to develop from having been on the 'sun bed'.  Maybe I will have to head off to sunnier climes like you, but will have to sort out a new passport first Sunglasses 

    Kind Regards

    Brian

  • in reply to Buzzers

    Parking is free in Welsh Hospitals and has been for a few years now.

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