Private healthcare and my Key Worker

Hello Chris (Odd Man In) 

So to add/edit your profile - here's a link to "how to do it":

How-do-i-edit-my-profile.

As for private healthcare - some Community members have used this to speed up diagnosis or to get a second opinion BUT if you remove yourself from the NHS system - it's hard to get back in where you were. if you need some expensive treatment it's best to stick to the good old NHS. (20 fractions of Radiotherapy is between £18K and £25K)

I think T3b with a clear bone scan you will be offered HT/RT which the NHS are great at providing and a Gleason 7 (3+4) is the lower of the 7's so the cancer isn't going anywhere fast.

As for the Macmillan key worker she will be part of the NHS deal so I would say yes - you would lose her - and may get a different one if you rejoin the NHS system.

I hope this helps - you could try contacting oncology and tell them the wait is causing anxiety and you are available to take any short notice cancellation.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hello Brian,

As ever, thank you for a reply that instantly got me on an even keel.  My gut has told me over these few weeks to stay the NHS course despite the advice of well-intentioned colleagues.  I'm relieved that logic supports instinct here.

I consider myself fortunate in that my location means Christies should be the venue for my treatment (HT/RT as you say).  Onward and upward.

Best wishes - Chris

Hello Chris (Odd Man In) 

The NHS may be slow and targets are not always met but for me in almost 4 years they have been there for me.

As you may be aware I live in Oldham so I come under The Christie for my Oncology treatment (which is looking like lifelong now). My Oncology meetings are at Oldham and my Radiotherapy was also there. Once you get your treatment plan sorted out - if it's anything like mine you will be very well looked after.

Best wishes - Brian.