Anyone having treatment in Cheltenham?

[Sameelee3]

Hi Penny47,
I started my chemo in April 2012 at Cheltenham and also posted asking if anyone was from the area, but I had no replies. I think that because there is a Maggie's Centre in the area, people tend to use that for support. I did go to Maggie's but found it hard to get there for events/ courses etc, because they clashed with my treatment days, or they were fully booked for classses.
I really wanted to find other women who were going through what I was, but I have to say that I didn't. If I turned up at Maggie's, there were nice people to talk to and the staff were lovely, but it was the luck of the draw whether I had anything in common with the people there. I thought I would meet people on my treatment days, but this didn't happen either. I was in a room on my own for some sessions, or in the larger room with all sorts of people having treatment for different reasons. We would chat, but it didn't seem appropriate to exchange numbers.
I found incredible support online here by joining the April Bunnies. The good thing about a Forum is that you can post at any time of the day or night and get a response from someone really quickly.... and that person is going through very similar side effects to yours, or is having the same worries as you.
I remember feeling really needy at the time. The only women I knew who had been through chemo really didn't want to talk about it again, although obviously they were supportive. Just not practically supportive. I wanted to set up a group meeting time for Breast Cancer sufferers at Maggies, because I was sure there were lots of women out there floatign around who just needed a venue and a time, but there were no time slots available.
OK, where does that leave you? The Breast Care nurses are brilliant at Thirlestaine, so don't hesitate to contact them if you are at all worried. And do join or start your own thread here. The April Bunnies are all very different but we have a surprising amount in common and have met up several times since finishing chemo.
I will PM you and if you would like to get in touch, please do. Happy to meet up if you want! I've been really happy with the surgery and treatment at Cheltenham so you will be getting very good care.
Warm, healing vibes winging their way to you,
Sameelee3 xxx

[Guest user]

Hi Penny47,
I completed my treatment in April this year at Cheltenham General Hospital and everyone there was lovely, I had my surgeries at Gloucester Royal but the chemo and radiotherapy was all done at cheltenham. I thought the nurses and staff were amazing, the waiting room can be a bit chilly but once I discovered the Maggies Centre I went there as often as I could and that was a breath of fresh air.
I suspect its the same everywhere but the waiting times for chemo didnt help with the whole process but the overall treatment was top class.
I wish you every luck for your treatment and please shout if I can be of any further help 🙂
Many thanks
Amanda x

[Penny47]

Thanks Jo willdo

[Jo_BCC]

Hi Penny47

Sorry you haven't had any replies as yet, perhaps try posting again in the 'In your area' forum.

Take care,

Jo, Facilitator

[Penny47]

Hello I am starting chemo at Cheltenham Oncology Centre next week. There was a topic of Cheltenham people about 4 years ago but it looks like you have all moved on. I've been dx 6 months but this is my first experience of chemo as endocrine so far. No op date yet- Chemo is intended to turn a possible Mx into a probable WLE. Loving the way the hospital has improved over the years, and glad we discovered Maggie's over the way.