Radiotherapy

Looking for it..:-))

hi again @Joarden,I’ve sent you a PM

hugs Tinks xx

Hi @Joarden - so you have to go to Canberra for treatment?  You should be covered by IPTAAS for fuel reimbursement (it relates either to single journeys of 100km each way, or a weekly travel in excess of 250k - but would need to check.)  I am amazed that the Community Transport don't have an arrangement with them to cover your costs, as there would be plenty of Goulburn people travelling either to Canberra or the Coast for their treatment.

I was able to stay at the Lodge at Port Macquarie for the 4 weeks for minimal costs (like a motel room with a communal kitchen.)  It was terrific - they even cooked dinner for us one night.  Is it just you and your son?  Have you looked into lodges in Canberra? Once you've been 'set up' - The treatment is usually all over within the hour, leaving the rest of the day to rest or go sight seeing?

Maybe contact IPTAAS and ask their advice.  They may be able to help.
http://www.iptaas.health.nsw.gov.au/

http://www.iptaas.health.nsw.gov.au/For-patients

Good luck - I hope you can find a solution that works for you xx

Hi
We are in goulburn unfortunately, there is community transport, but its $50 a day..also trying to work out how I can be " invisible " at home for that long..sounds like machines are a bit cranky!! Thank you..take care, hope all is good with you xx

Hi @Joarden  - I had 4 weeks radiation & apart from warmness in the breast & some reddening - very little in the way of Side Effects.  I think the mental preparation for it is worse than the actual procedures!!  

Where abouts are you (city/Town?  You can add it to your profile so others know too.)  Can you contact the Welfare officer of the Hospital where you are having the Rads done?  They may have an arrangement with drivers to get you there & back.  I know that where I am, travel is organised for patients. (1.5hrs each way)

Having to rely on public transport would be a real pain.  :(  

The machine broke down for me too!   LOL 

Just make sure you keep the lotions/potions up to your area being 'nuked' .... and for at least 4 weeks (or more) afterwards as well, as the area will remain very 'warm' for some time.

Take care, stay safe xx

Great!!! Seems like machines break down regularly, not exactly comforting!! Glad its behind you, and hope you are doing well..:-))

I also had the machine break down twice, could have been three times but they changed me to a different room for my final one and didn’t say why. The first time was my third treatment and they rang just before we were about to leave to rearrange it for a few hours later. The next treatment was cancelled completely but they explained that it was just like it was a long week end and one being missed was fine. You get an extra day added on at the end so don’t actually miss any.

Hi
Very few side effects sounds great!! The machines broke down for you too??!! What happened then!!?? What happens at the end of treatment, more testing?? The funding would be great, but the logistics of missing chunks of time every day from home is going to be almost impossible..:-(( thank you again..:-))xx

Hi @Joarden,

Aside from your travel issues (I too was fortunate to only be 25mins from the hospital)  I had very few SE's from the radiation.  I had 30 rounds and my skin only started to break down after about number 22.  Compared to chemo it was a walk in the park.  No fatigue at all and the hospital was very obliging working the appointments around my work.  It's pretty quick normally. The machine broke down twice as well :) 
 It's an absolute pain in the ass having to go every day and in your case even harder.  Definitely see if you can get any funding from some source.  
All the best lovely. xoxox

Dear @Joarden, it sounds like a nightmare. As far as I’m aware, radiotherapy is radiotherapy ie there isn’t anything like it, you have it or you don’t.