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Tingy's avatar
Tingy
Member
9 years ago

Where to have your treatments? Chris O'Brien Lifehouse or POW?

Hi Ladies,

I'm a new member and this is my first post.  I was diagnosed in late April and had a lumpectomy in early May.  I met my oncologist at Lifehouse yesterday and she recommended me for chemo, radiotherapy followed by hormone therapy.

My surgeon operates at Lifehouse hence she referred me to an oncologist there.  I understand that my chemo regime is standard wherever I go (4 cycles of AC then 12 cycles of paclitaxel).  It is also recommended that I receive all my treatments in one place rather than spread across hospitals. 

My dilemma is, POW is actually the nearest hospital to me, 8km as opposed to Lifehouse which is 16km.  In terms of travel time if no traffic then POW may take 20mins while Lifehouse 30mins.  However if traffic is bad, it could take 40min to POW and over 1hr to get to Lifehouse.

I know both hospitals have excellent quality of care.  My question is, in between the cycles, did you often get sick and had to be admitted into hospital due to infections?  How important is the distance to hospital in determining which hospital you decide to go for treatments if the quality of care is the same?  Any other factors that you consider is important?

I'm feeling scared about this whole chemo thing, don't know how my body will react to the drugs....thanks for reading my post :)

Tina

 

 

2 Replies

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  • P2T's avatar
    P2T
    Member
    9 years ago
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    Hello Tina. 

    Sending u much energy and light to get through it treatments. 

    I never had to go to the hospital during treatment for any issues, but I know everyone is different. I was seeing a naturopath since before my mastectomy and during and still who gave/gives me herbs that kept my immune system strong along with other benefits...it's worth looking into. 

    I think u should go to whichever hospital feels bests, if u become unwell for any reason u can go to the closest hospital anyway. 

    Sending u positive vibes. It will get tough along the way, I found my 3rd and 4th treatment was the hardest but once ur done the sun comes out again. 

    Peace 

    penny x

  • jd48's avatar
    jd48
    Member
    9 years ago
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    Hi Tina

    Please check your post from yesterday as you will find ymself and another lady have responded there. Bith of us were (and my case still am) treated at POW

    I am not sure if you meant this to be posted on the young womens group ir on the general feed - bith got posted in the yoing womens group

    PS I am.on AC Chemo and while.it is taxing it is a lot easier than anytjing you would imagine it to be before you actually start. A lot less scary than anything you think it would be. I have been blogging here my exoerience every day and if you want to see how I have been going and what sideffects I have been experiencing just check my profile as all posts are under it.

    Jel