How long to start treatment?

User

Posted 29 May 2018 at 07:43

I was diagnosed with what appears to be localised prostate cancer on Thursday of last week (and was also diagnosed as having an unrelated localised tumour in one of my kidneys, too), and my urologist said that my case would now be referred to a multi-disciplinary team at the nearest regional oncology centre (which is Liverpool, in my case).

I was just wondering if anyone could give me an idea of typically how long it's likely to be before I'm contacted with some sort of appointment to tell me what's going to happen next? Presumably the MDT needs to meet and discuss my case before that will happen, but I've no idea how often this do so. Weekly? Monthly? Am I likely to then get an appointment with an oncologist?

I left the consultation with the urologist feeling somewhat in the dark. Any advice on how (and when) things are likely to proceed would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,

Chris

User

Posted 29 May 2018 at 09:58

Morning Chris

When you saw the urologist were you given a nurse specialist or anything like that? If yes, then you could ring and ask for an estimated time.

If not, then you could ask the urologist's secretary who could find out for you.

Alternatively, you could speak to one of the nurses on here (0800 074 8383) and ask for their advice.

However, I'm sure somebody will be along to tell you how it was for them

****

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails

User

Posted 29 May 2018 at 11:09

Appreciate you are anxious to learn when treatment for PCa could start but it is correct that the MDT would discuss your case first. Good idea to ask hospital about this as has been suggested. Meanwhile, I would have thought it more urgent, if indeed you have a blood vessel to your spleen that may burst, that this be attended to.

Barry

User

Posted 29 May 2018 at 13:59

I've got an appointment with the vascular surgeon for Thursday morning, Barry, so that's in hand. I'm guessing (and it is just a guess) that they may insert a stent to fix that, but I'll find out soon enough! I'm hoping it won't involve surgery - what with the kidney removal as well I could really do without two separate sessions of significant abdominal surgery.

It was more the cancer side of things I'm unclear about.

Cheers,

Chris

User

Posted 29 May 2018 at 23:06

When I was diagnosed the local MDT was weekly on a Friday afternoon. The Macmillan nurse had the job of ringing round patients to say what they said. It then took another 2 weeks before I had a wrap up consultation to agree the way ahead. That meeting was as long as I wanted it to last.

They also referred people to a regional MDT which was done by video and less frequent and included the regional surgery centre for PCa (Preston). Perhaps the urologist appointment was timed to meet the MDT as it seemed later than I wanted.

I can't read your profile so if you're waiting for surgery the following might be relevant. My process was as below. The surgeon initially said the op would be after Xmas, but I was told he changed his mind when I said I wanted it before Xmas and he found he could fit me in as not many wanted ops just before Xmas:

Local MDT 10th Nov.

Consultant Meeting 25th Nov, Regional MDT Friday 26th Nov.

Surgeon Meeting 6th Dec,

Pre-Op Assess 9th Dec, Operation 16th Dec. Out of Hospital 18th Dec 2016.

Also I found the fixed agenda and purpose of the MDT on the internet, if you wanted to do a search.

Edited by member 29 May 2018 at 23:07 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 30 May 2018 at 13:18

Got a phone call today. My case will be going to the MDT either this Friday or next Friday, and I have an appointment with the oncologist to discuss the recommended treatment following that on Monday 11th June. Feel like things are moving forward now!

Chris

User

Posted 30 May 2018 at 13:41

As regards timing of review at MDT meeting much will depend on how many cases they have to consider in their time slot. If you were to have surgery again the timing could depend on the number of men awaiting this procedure but also how they see your case in terms of relative priority. With the radiation route things can start almost immediately where as in most cases the radiation is preceded by Hormone Therapy for 3-6 months. Your other problems could also have a bearing on this.

Barry

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