"I'm hugely impressed with the care and professionalism"

This is the second part of my journey with cancer treatment.

Pre & post Xmas periods were particularly tough, a decision had to be made between radiotherapy and surgery. The decision process was not made any easier due to a family issue and a gang of demons who'd taken up residence in my head.

Tremendous support from a lung specialist nurse and Maggies Centre, none of who were critical of my reasons for choosing radiotherapy v surgery.

Having said that, my wife was rather upset, couldn't understand why I'd reject surgery, the Gold standard for treating early stage lung cancer. However acceptance came, albeit grudgingly I suspect.

An appointment with my consultant, Dr Javed, was made and the process of the treatment was explained, I went away 'thinking' I had a good grasp of what's involved (I didn't!) 

I was certainly aware of the probable side effects both short & long term; none of which caused me any great concern - I was as happy as I could  be given the situation .

I went for a planning scan and was impressed with thoroughness of the process, several staff members checking measurements and so on to calculate dose and ensure the beams were targeted on the correct area. All very reassuring and comforting with the friendly professionalism shown...my confidence improved that my chosen treatment regime was the correct one. Oh, and I achieved a first - two tattoo's for lining me up for treatment.

I was given a schedule for treatment, five sessions on alternative weekdays using Stereotatic Radiotherapy. 

Now I knew what was ahead of me, it was time to exorcise the demons and get my mind into a positive place. Easier said than done perhaps...

Great support from the Maggies Centre and a few self-administred kicks in my back end, I got to a far better place mentally than I had been.

Well intentioned people who began conversations with 'living with cancer' irritated me - it was so negative. It's now been flipped to 'cancer lives with me' Analogous perhaps to having a lodger in my home that I don't get on with - they're out. So it with this cancer, it's now become my mantra and it works.

So, 22 Jan arrives and it's my first session. I was stunned to be told it'll now be 20 sessions not 5. My mind goes into overdrive - has my tumour grown so rapidly that i need more? No, it's because 20 lower dose's is less likely to damage the nerves to my arm. Again, impressed and grateful that someone has spotted this as a serious potential issue. I was not told because my telephone number is incorrect - my fault I suspect.

The staff explained that during my initial consultation the number of sessions could change if any issues came up. I was adamant this didn't happen - however my wife informed that was the case (the benefit of having four ears present at such meetings.) Dr Javed called me and a large helping of humble pie was eaten, he also addressed a few other questions I had and my mind was put at ease - thank you Dr Javed and my apologies again.

Now at the end of my first of four weeks worth of sessions and I feel absolutely fine apart from feeling a little more fatigued than normal.

The therapists have been superb. Meticulous care in 'lining' me up for the therapy, one session they went through the process again because they weren't happy, so very reassuring to know that absolute care is taken that the treatment will only target the correct areas.

The week was rounded off with a HNA meeting...the tiniest of issues here. HNA - Holistic Needs Assessment! We scratched our heads over this abbreviation, as I'm sure others do. NHS and it's abbreviations. It's really a treatment review to discuss any side affects and general well being - call it something simpler perhaps? Nonetheless, I met with a specialist nurse, Wendy, who was great. Good and useful discussion of what might be expected and she was available to address any concerns during the treatment period... her metaphorical finger is on my pulse with another layer of support if needed.

Overall, I'm hugely impressed with the care, consideration, patience and professionalism of everyone concerned in my treatment. 

I've said it before, it's almost fashionable to give the NHS a kicking, but when it's needed, it swings into action in an exemplary way. From one grateful user of the service, my heartfelt appreciation to you all...my cancer is on the way out.