Radiotherapy at The Alfred, Melbourne

Hi all,

I had the last chemotherapy done on 4 April 2017 and started radiotherapy on 1 May at the Alfred Hospital.  I was as usual worried about the radiotherapy as a few friends had open wounds and said that radiotherapy was worse than chemo.  I can't believe three weeks went past so fast and my treatment is over last Friday! It was actually easier than chemo for me!

I am just wanting to share that the staff and the doctor I saw at the Alfred are truly amazing. It made my experience a much easier one! At the Alfred, treatment for my case was 3 weeks (15 days) which I only found out when I saw Dr Karen Taylor (she's amazing and so understanding and patient) for my initial consult. So hubby took me twice a week and I travel via train 3 days on my own. It was actually my first time traveling on trains yes lol (I actually loved the reading and snacking I could do on the train haha) but it went well, way better than driving from my home in the South East to Prahan where the Alfred is (traffic was stressful!).

My radiation site is tight and the usual cording around the armpit which needs good stretching exercises.  The skin is browner and a little irritated but no blistering or broken skin yay! I also used freshly cut aloe vera gel every day after treatment.

Any of you doing radiotherapy can consider the Alfred. I am so glad I got referred there by my first lovely radiation oncologist Dr Steven David from Peter Mac Moorabbin.

xxx


**with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26)**

@auOrei  I only mentioned ambulance transport as I met a lady that came from Warbuton. Everyday she would get a lift to and fro. I presumed it was an ambulance driver or paramedic as had full uniform. Other patients would also have a driver come and get them after radiotherapy. They were not hospital patients but needed help with transport.
 I do not know whats available. I was asked whether I needed help with transport. I didnt . I only mentioned it if it would have been some benefit.
Three weeks sounds okay. I also met many patients that came by train and bus.They got through it . It will be over before you know it

@fairydust boxhill or moorabin or Alfred are all about the same from where I live. Peter Mac does the five weeks one protocol which I found would be harder. But it's only three weeks at Alfred, there will be at least three days I need go either drive or take public transport. Other two hubby can take me. Patients arriving via ambulance? I wonder why... are they coming from hospitals? 

Is there anywhere closer? I found doing radiotherapy everyday draining.It was the travel time plus you would also have to see the Doctor for follow ups. If you have trouble driving is it possible to have volunteer help. You should be fine.
 I did radiotherapy at Peter Mac Box Hill and some patients came by ambulance.  I do not know where you are coming from. It is certainly doable. Most people I met felt fine doing radiotherapy only towards the end did fatigue kick in