Velindre Hospital Cardiff

Hi

I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet so replying to you will 'bump' your post back to the top of the discussion list.

While you're waiting to see if you get any replies if you type 'velindre' into the search bar at the top of the page it will bring up quite a few previous posts where Velindre has been mentioned. You could have a read through some of these to see if they give you the information you need and reply to any of the more recent posts if you think that the poster can help you further.

When you have a minute it would be great if you could pop something about your journey with cancer into your profile as it really helps others when answering or looking for someone with a similar diagnosis. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

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Hello Percefal.

I have just finished 20 sessions of radiotherapy at Velindre, and it was, for me, a painless experience, and the staff were superb. 

Is there any particular concern you have?   

The effects I have noticed are due to the hormone treatment.  I experience flushes and night sweats and can totally sympathise with women now for sure.

Toilet visits have gone up to two or three at night, the stream has dropped but is improving.   I won't sugar coat this, but the libido has crashed, due to the prostap injection, and like Boy George once said .. sex?  I prefer a cup of tea.    

I have gained very little weight, but developed a bit of a tummy.   I was told my shape may change but not necessarily my weight.   This proved true. 

I'm in no way complaining here, just giving you my experience.  I've had it easy compared to many here, and I consider myself very lucky to have caught this, with the NHS, early.  

Best wishes.   JJ

That’s good news, thanks JJ. I have been curious about aftercare after talking to someone who had side-effects and was disappointed with the lack of follow-up aftercare, though had only praise for the treatment team.

My particular concern is my bowel. After 4 months of Prostap, I know what you mean about libido!

Thanks for your response to my post about Velindre. I have updated my profile as you suggest and read your blog with interest.

Best wishes for your further successful treatment and hope to see news of this posted on your blog

I was given small emamas to use.  Not a problem using them myself, but after around half an hour, make sure you are near a toilet !!   

I followed the staffs advice to the letter.   Half a pint of water exactly half hour before treatment, void bowels an hour before.   I am lucky, sort of, as I live fairly near Velindre.  

I didn't really need much aftercare, but they gave me plenty of information and phone numbers for any concerns.   Just blood tests then.

I am doing my own healthcare by cycling and walking, cutting down on red meat, plenty of water to keep your stream healthy, no food after my last meal of the day, for 12 hours.  Most of that is sleeping, so no big deal there.     I also do five minuite cold showers every other day, but that's me and not for everyone.

Hi Perceval, I did not attend the velindre hospital, I have had 6 session of high dosage radiotherapy my preparation was the same as jojoGunne, and same effect of enlarged stomach, I am waiting for a chat with the oncologist.

Hope all goes well with your treatment

Ulls