Oncologist appointment and treatment plan

Yesterday was my appointment with the Oncologist at our local hospital. The Macmillan nurses who work with my surgeon said that she was lovely and indeed she was.

First we went through my surgery and the findings and she was keen to hear from me about what I understood was going on. I find this very encouraging. Once upon a time doctors were not so open about cancer diagnosis 

. Anyway after that she took a thorough medical history including about my mental health issues. I had occasional blips since 1986 though in 2006 wax finally diagnosed with bipolar syndrome and given a mood stabiliser. However, in the summer of 2016 I was put on a high dose of steroids in order to combat an inflammation in my eyes. One of the possible side effects is mania, even in those without a history of psychiatric issues. Indeed, after a few weeks my behaviour became more and more bizarre and I was sectioned for 30 days. In the past I had been hospitalised but as a voluntary patient. While I recovered it was a very traumatic experience even though all medical personnel were aware that it was a reaction to the steroids.

So my reason for this aside will come clear below. The doctor then went on to discuss further treatment to ensure that the cancer was mopped up. She recommends a 25 sessions of radiotherapy followed by 2 sessions of brachytherapy. Pretty standard. I will be getting my scan in a couple of weeks. She went through the possible side effects.

Then she went on to the subject of chemotherapy. She advised that with chemo large doses of steroids are administered both intravenously and later pills. Due to my medical history (thank goodness we discussed my breakdown) I would be in danger of a mental health crises. Add to that the side effects both physical and mental she said that chemotherapy was off the table. She said that the benefits were negligible versus the downside.

Overall, she was confident that given the successful hysterectomy and this follow up that the cancer would be dealt with. We also discussed the genetic testing etc. So a positive appointment.