How to deal with radiotherapy?

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byrneann22

03/07/2017 at 21:03

byrneann22

Last activity on 08/06/2025 at 16:11

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some advice ,how to deal with radiotherapy

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Fighting

05/09/2017 at 10:32

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Fighting

Last activity on 14/07/2020 at 13:21

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Hi Niki45 glad your doing so well with your radiotherapy you will get to the end of this treatment. I wish the people writing these book would just come and meet with the patients, take everything being said on board and write their book but fill them with real information warts and all. At least that way, when you read the books you get a better idea of what is ahead of you.

I filled out a form recently about the books the Irish Cancer Society handouts and I just wrote it as I saw it, stating the information in their books wasn't a true version of what could happen.

I am keeping ok, like you said in one of your earlier posts, every pain has you running for the doctors fearing the worst. It will take all of us ages to come to terms with what has happened to us and to start living what passes for normal again.

How to deal with radiotherapy? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/treatments-for-breast-cancer/how-to-deal-with-radiotherapy-1848 2017-09-05 10:32:40

Margaret1

06/09/2017 at 10:03

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Glad Niki that your treatment is ending and you can start mentally and physically to getyour life back. I wish the books were better- they give you loads of them and they never really answer your questions. Also at times you are overwhelmed- you have so many problems you can't possibly see a GP about all of them. With our GP you are supposed to discuss only one thing at a time - and that is if you can get an appointment! There should be more groups of patients - where possible side effects, diet etc could be discussed so that you do not feel so alone. Where I live they did have a few ongoing meetings straight after but then- you are one your own.

How to deal with radiotherapy? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/treatments-for-breast-cancer/how-to-deal-with-radiotherapy-1848 2017-09-06 10:03:02

Fighting

06/09/2017 at 10:52

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Last activity on 14/07/2020 at 13:21

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I feel that once your "done" with treatment - you are on your own. It is like the hospital pack you off as "you are ok now". Just because you are ok ish after treatment does not mean you are healed!!! Trying to find information and support groups via the Cancer Society has been a scary process. I contact a place called Arc House and had my first session yesterday, I must say it was great to have "my time" where I could say what I want, express my fears, let the tears flow etc.

There is so much bad information out there, it can be quite scary your emotions are all over the place and you just don't know which way to turn.

All I can say keep searching as there had to be some sort of a support group out there for all of fighting cancer!

How to deal with radiotherapy? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/treatments-for-breast-cancer/how-to-deal-with-radiotherapy-1848 2017-09-06 10:52:09

Fighting

06/09/2017 at 22:02

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Last activity on 14/07/2020 at 13:21

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Hi all I kinda came across a interesting read the other day. It was written by a Dr Peter Harvey, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust. It is a long document, however the pages I have read so far are very spot on.

Just thought I would share this with you all.

How to deal with radiotherapy? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/treatments-for-breast-cancer/how-to-deal-with-radiotherapy-1848 2017-09-06 22:02:19

Margaret1

07/09/2017 at 08:01

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Last activity on 06/05/2025 at 20:13

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Ok Fighting I will try and find this document. I think the NHS probably does not have funding for after care but it is so important to make sense of what has happened and yo talk to others who have been through the same or worse.

How to deal with radiotherapy? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/treatments-for-breast-cancer/how-to-deal-with-radiotherapy-1848 2017-09-07 08:01:38

Fighting

08/09/2017 at 11:53

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Last activity on 14/07/2020 at 13:21

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We don't have the NHS here in Ireland we have the HSE!! The conditions in our hospitals are shocking. The unit I attend for chemo are 8 staff short, I mean come on 8 staff short!! They are under so much pressure, it would frighten you. The nurses and staff have been amazing, taking the time to answer any questions you have and will point you in the right direction for help.

How to deal with radiotherapy? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/treatments-for-breast-cancer/how-to-deal-with-radiotherapy-1848 2017-09-08 11:53:30

Margaret1

09/09/2017 at 09:06

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Our NHS is always under threat with shortages. Inthe uk so much also depends where you live. I live in a big city with a big teaching hospital. The city has a specialised cancer hospital as well. Many people travel for hours to get to that hospital whilst luckily I am right on the doorstep- well almost. It is that's hospital which runs course after treatment but they last just a few weeks. There is a support centre - but it's just mental problems - run by volunteers but thatis better than nothing. We think we could be better treated - but in parts of this country itis far worse. I wish there old be a more national strategy of support.

How to deal with radiotherapy? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/treatments-for-breast-cancer/how-to-deal-with-radiotherapy-1848 2017-09-09 09:06:55

Niki45

09/09/2017 at 10:23

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I have to say I can't fault either hospitals im attending. They are a fair bit away and there is no travel care we're entitled to. But they have been on the ball with me. My radiotherapy hospital have done there best to give me early appointments so my husband can go back to work. It makes things a bit easier to cope with when you get some compassion from them.

How to deal with radiotherapy? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/treatments-for-breast-cancer/how-to-deal-with-radiotherapy-1848 2017-09-09 10:23:01

Fighting

09/09/2017 at 18:17

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Fighting

Last activity on 14/07/2020 at 13:21

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The hospital I am attending is a "center of excellence". When it was opened it was state of the art equipment wise, staff numbers etc. However, due to the increases in numbers it is now under staffed and equipment wise the radiation department don't have the equipment to treat some people and they have to travel 3 or 6 hours drive to two different hospitals depending on the treatment required. Some people have a three hour drive to this hospital already without having to add an extra 3 or 6 hours on to this.

How to deal with radiotherapy? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/treatments-for-breast-cancer/how-to-deal-with-radiotherapy-1848 2017-09-09 18:17:53

Fighting

09/09/2017 at 18:23

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Fighting

Last activity on 14/07/2020 at 13:21

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During this whole year, I have only had one bad experience with one nurse, she was in the cancer check up side of things not the chemo ward. The nurses on the Dunmanway Unit are just amazing and always take the time to answer any questions you may have. The staff in the rad unit were great too, gave me loads of tips to keep my skin in good condition and again answered all questions I had.

They are working with equipment that kept breaking down even though the equipment had been repaired the day before due to it breaking down.

How to deal with radiotherapy? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/treatments-for-breast-cancer/how-to-deal-with-radiotherapy-1848 2017-09-09 18:23:47

How to deal with radiotherapy?

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