Cancer and the Coronavirus

I’m just at the hospital about to start radiotherapy.     I am self isolating apart from these appointments everyday.   My last chemo was November will radiotherapy make me more susceptible?

@Homelovingirl Hello dear, I wouldn't think that it would have an impact on your immune system, I've only heard that it can affect your immune system and make you more vulnerable if the radiation is aimed specifically at your bones. Not to worry, just keep washing your hands and self-isolating like you've been doing! Keep your chin up!

Is it true oncology is leaving patients over 70 yrs without treatment wile Coronavirus as gone

@Lucy20 I haven't heard that this is the case myself, but in any crisis situation hospital staff are trying to maximise the number of lives saved and they often must focus resources where they are likely to save the most people. So often they have to prioritise treatment for those who are most likely to respond well and recover quickly to vacate the bed for the next incoming patient so overall more lives are saved. I believe they are more at this stage in Italy or France, but not yet in the UK. If we all do our best and respect the social distancing measures we may be able to avoid getting to that point.

@Courtney_J I had a mastectomy lady year and only treatment I have is I’m on tamoxifen for 5 years should I be isolated 

I should have started radiotherapy on 19th March for Prostrate cancer, But i have ME/CFS with also Angina & they have postponed my treatment, I'm to continue with Hormone injections every 3mths, In Dec I was told my Cancer was causing a little ballooning & on verge of spreading, now being told better to extend hormone treatment because of this, so worried it might have spread

I'm taking anastrozole, I've heard conflicting views that I should isolate as it can affect immunity. Had anyone else been told this?

I'm having Decapeptyl injections & was told by a medical person to self isolate because of this & the fact I have ME/CFS. I receive DLA so classed as disabled but have not had the text from Gov to say I'm classed as vulnerable so don't know what to think

@Mariep @maddoglady Hello Mariep and maddoglady, the NHS has stated that if you're considered to be at high risk, you will be contacted by this Sunday, 29th March. The recommend that you do not contact your GP or healthcare team at this stage to try to avoid them getting overwhelmed with calls.

Please everyone keep each other informed on how you are doing, it is important that we gather strength from one another and support each other through this difficult period.

My partner has just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

it is apparently only localised and only in the pancreas although has attached itself to a blood vessel and surgery is not an option.

we are told it has not spread to the lymph nodes or anywhere else.

we have been told there is nothing that can be done for her so it was obviously devastating to be told this.

She has not seen or been spoken to by a consultant or oncologist, the news was delivered by her doctor in her home.

I cannot understand why she has not been offered chemotherapy as the cancer is localised, could this be because hospitals are not open for out patient appointments due to coronavirous.

She feels she’s been handed a death sentence with no hope.

Has anybody had this experience, it would be good if we could get more information, is there hope, or not?

Nigel

Hi,

Following my partners diagnosis of pancreatic cancer She was told that she had to have a colonoscopy as they had suspicions of abnormalities in her bowel.

The colonoscopy came back clear which was good news But the surgeon that I conducted the colonoscopy said he was unhappy with the initial diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and felt it could be a Gist as it was or appear to be outside the pancreas and not inside.

The surgeon that conducted the colonoscopy said he was unhappy with the initial diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and felt it could be a Gist as it was or appeared to be outside the pancreas.

He consulted a colleague who agreed with him and they are now further investigating.

.All the experts have now said they don’t know what it is and cannot make a definite diagnosis and have sent the biopsy sample to colleagues around the country.

She is now waiting to hear back for a definite diagnosis and hoping for treatment.

Nigel