Understanding Gynaecological Cancers - Become an NHS ...
Understanding Gynaecological Cancers - Become an NHS ...
Understanding Gynaecological Cancers - Become an NHS ...
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712Our Consult<strong>an</strong>t Oncologists are based at the Churchill Hospital,Oxford but they have regular weekly clinics at the Outpatientdepartments at Wycombe or Stoke M<strong>an</strong>deville.If you <strong>an</strong>d your oncologist decide that chemotherapy is the righttreatment for you then you will be given written information abouteach drug <strong>an</strong>d the possible side effects. These side effects <strong>an</strong>dyour care during the treatment will be explained in detail beforethe treatment begins. You will have plenty of time to askquestions <strong>an</strong>d even though you will sign a consent form for thetreatment you c<strong>an</strong> choose to stop the treatment at <strong>an</strong>ytime.Useful Contact Telephone Numbers for the ChemotherapyUnitsHospital SiteC<strong>an</strong>cer Care <strong>an</strong>d HaematologyUnit, Room 10, Stoke M<strong>an</strong>devilleSunrise Chemo Unit, Ward 5A,Wycombe HospitalChemotherapy Coordinator,Churchill HospitalRadiotherapy for Gynaecology C<strong>an</strong>cerTelephone Number01296 31512501494 42623801865 235022External radiotherapy - This is given by directing painlesshigh-energy beams at the area of the c<strong>an</strong>cer, while doing aslittle harm as possible to normal cells.Radiotherapy works by killing c<strong>an</strong>cer cells <strong>an</strong>d c<strong>an</strong> be used onits own to treat c<strong>an</strong>cer though it may also be given as part of acombined treatment with chemotherapy.Throughout your diagnosis, treatment <strong>an</strong>d afterwards, try toaccept that these reactions are normal. If you feel you need to,allow yourself time to cry. This c<strong>an</strong> often be a helpful way ofdealing with bottled up emotions. Learning a relaxationtechnique c<strong>an</strong> also be very helpful as it c<strong>an</strong> help you switch offyour mind from worries <strong>an</strong>d also relax your body.How do I tell the children?If you have children it may seem natural to try <strong>an</strong>d protect themfrom the news. Even if they have not been told about thediagnosis, it is not unusual for children to know from thereactions of others that something is wrong. Occasionallywhen children are not included in the diagnosis in some way,their imaginations c<strong>an</strong> take over. This c<strong>an</strong> be more frighteningfor them th<strong>an</strong> the truth. It is therefore recommended thatchildren are given time to talk about the ch<strong>an</strong>ges that arehappening around them.It c<strong>an</strong> be helpful to explain to children that it is normal for them toexperience some strong emotions <strong>an</strong>d you may notice somech<strong>an</strong>ges in their behaviour. It is import<strong>an</strong>t for them to discuss <strong>an</strong>yworries with you openly. Sometimes taking them to hospital visits<strong>an</strong>d introducing them to staff c<strong>an</strong> help reduce some of their fears.There are a number of very useful books, which have beenwritten specifically for children on the subject of c<strong>an</strong>cer inthe family. A list of reading material for children is availablefrom Macmill<strong>an</strong> C<strong>an</strong>cer Support <strong>an</strong>d Winston’s Wish. Thespecialist nursing team c<strong>an</strong> also access some useful books<strong>an</strong>d information. (See page 17 for website information)If you have concerns about ch<strong>an</strong>ges in a child’s behaviouror emotional state, it may be also useful to discuss thingswith your GP. Our Macmill<strong>an</strong> Clinical Psychologist c<strong>an</strong> alsohelp with family counselling.
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