After bouncing around between Hexham hospital and Wansbeck Hospital Urology Department in Washington, we are invited to The Freeman Hospital Oncology Department in Newcastle.
Having consulted Google as to the difference between the two disciplines, I realise that The Freeman is where my radiotherapy will take place, I better plan the logistics.
It has car parks, but they are often full; so the plan is to drive to a Metro station near the airport, take the metro into town, and then walk.
So that is what we do and we reckon home to Oncology is about 90 minutes. Could be worse.
We meet with a pleasant lady who explains I am now under the care of another consultant, although I will probably never meet him. (I do see him briefly in the corridor, same sharp suit, but 2 pens in the pocket; spicy!).
She takes us through the upcoming treatment. I will have a “planning scan” where they will perform an MRI to check on the current state of my prostate, and will tattoo a couple of points on my skin to aid the setup of the radiotherapy. I asked if the tattoo could be enhanced to show a pair of engorged rampant unicorns; but this was apparently outside the remit of the NHS. Shame.
Then, shortly after that, I will have 20 consecutive working days of radiotherapy. Also, shame.
Then, good news! The initial plan for me to have 18 months of hormone treatment has been reduced to 6 months. Which means no more hormone injections. As recovery from hormone therapy typically takes the same length of time as the treatment; my total enhanced man boob lifestyle will only be one year, rather than three. All hail the two pen consultant!
Once the treatment is complete I will be handed back to Urology at Wansbeck for follow up. I have no idea why, I just do as I am told. Ask my wife.
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