Day Care Centre based in Comarcal Hospital, it takes a few minutes. TREATMENT DAY Make sure you have understood which hospital you are going to especially in Malaga. Listen out carefully for your name which may not be pronounced as you would expect or indeed have your names in the right order. In this example, you are generally required to arrive at the Regional University Hospital (Formally known as Carlos Haya) Malaga at 9am for a blood test and you may have to wait 2 or 3 hours before the results are back (time for breakfast). The Oncologist will then make a decision as to whether the treatment will go ahead. It is advisable to take a family member or friend with you as 'waiting' is a key factor as well as a good deal of patience. If your platelet levels are at the correct level then treatment will be approved and you will be sent to wait for your name to be called out. (If the levels are not correct because for example the chemotherapy treatment suppresses your immune system then you will be sent home and asked to return the following week.) The administration of your chemo treatment may take a number of hours. Don't forget to mention to your Oncologist if you have a bad reaction to treatment, they may be able to adjust the dosage. Also write your questions down so as not to forget anything. A NOTE ON RADIOTHERAPY Radiotherapy can be used in combination with chemotherapy or as a specific treatment, depending on the type and extent of the cancer. The patient is first given an initial appointment at the radiotherapy unit where a simulation session will take place. At this session the patient
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is placed in the exact position needed in the radiotherapy room and the skin marked (normally by tattoo). These marks are then used to ensure that the patient is in the correct position at each appointment. Radiotherapy is normally given Monday to Friday over a period of time. (e.g. 30 sessions will take 6 weeks to complete) The sessions only take a few seconds as the dose is fractionalised to reduce side effects. Many times the biggest problem with radiotherapy is travel time getting to and back from the centre. Side effects depend on the area to be irradiated but the most common side effect is tiredness. Time to send your partner off to book your next appointments If you are having prolonged daily treatment consider staying in a local hotel removing the stress of the journey at each end of the day After your first treatment session, you may be offered an array of anti-sickness/diarrhoea drugs to take as necessary. TOP TIP IF YOU ARE NOT A FLUENT SPANISH SPEAKER There is a Translator Service at the Regional University Hospital (Carlos Haya) no longer funded by the Junta de AndalucĂa. A translator may be booked in advance by calling Jose on 666 284 996 and he and his team will walk you through all the procedures and attend your appointment. This will cost 30â‚Ź per session but well worthwhile even if you have to book more than once, as fully understanding your treatment plan and all that is associated with it is essential. Translators at Comical Hospital Velez Malaga are all volunteers and cannot be booked in advance. If required, arrive well before your appointment time and register with the translator desk just behind the main reception.
A NOTE ON PRIVATE HEALTHCARE This provides you with a greater selection of surgeons and minimises waiting times. A cautionary note; check that all the treatment proposed is covered under your policy and ensure you keep all of your paperwork together as potentially, you will be attending a number of different facilities that are not necessarily connected. The cost of any pharmaceuticals or indeed any other prescribed materials will not be covered under your policy unless otherwise stipulated and will be at your own cost; this can potentially be very expensive. Ensure you provide your GP (whether private or at the local Consultorio) with all your results. For anyone who has been offered or is about to embark on Stem Cell Replacement Therapy, I have an excellent piece written by the wife of a patient who has just finished his treatment which is too long to include, but too good to be shortened. If you would like a copy then please email a request to debi.bond@gmail.com Next month At Home Living with an Illness packed with useful information and contact numbers. CCCCSG Group meetings take place on the 3rd Thursday of each month. For more information email cindyjones19@hotmail.com Debi Bond A huge thank you to everyone that came out to welcome me back into Competa after my cycle challenge and to those who donated once again, your support gave me wings! Debi
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