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Chapter 13 Frequently Asked Questions |
Q: Will these treatments cure my cancer?
A: The treatments are designed to control your cancer’s growth. The only cure is the complete surgical removal of the tumour. This may not be possible.
Q: How often will I get treatments?
A: The number of times you get treatments depends on how your cancer responds. It also depends on your overall health. The radioisotope therapies are given in a series of 3 or 4 treatments.
Q: Are the radioisotope therapies painful?
A: There is no pain with the radioisotope injections. There may be some discomfort during and after embolization therapy.
A: Many people work during their treatment. However, they may need to discuss reduced hours or duties with their employer if fatigue is a problem. Q: Will I ever be able to stop taking Octreotide?
A: Most people must use Octreotide for the rest of their life. Q: Why do my nuclear medicine scans have to be done in London?
A: Nuclear medicine scans are specialized tests that need special machines. These machines are located in London. Highly trained and experienced nuclear medicine doctors read these scans. Q: Who will take care of me when I am not in London?
A: Our team will have close contact with the Oncologist who referred you to London. Notes will be sent after each clinic visit or hospital admission. Your family doctor will also get copies of the notes. This way, both are kept informed of your progress. Your local oncologist and family doctor are your first resources if you feel sick or are having problems. However, we do like to be kept informed about how you are doing. Q: How far in advance will I be notified of my admission for therapy?
A: You will often be given short notice for therapy dates. Sometimes this notice may be as little as one week. Q. Why canʹt I have more notice of therapy dates?
A: Blood counts must be available and they must be above certain minimums for therapy to be given safely. Please make sure that blood results are faxed to LRCP at 519‐685‐8714. This number will be written on a Ministry of Health Requisition.
Q: How much notice will I have for an Octreotide Scan or I‐131 MIBG scan booking?
A: Your scan appointments will often be done on short notice too. You must call back and tell us if you are able to come after you have been given dates.
Q: Are there any support groups for people living with neuroendocrine cancer?
A: A group of patients and families have an email address to which you can send questions or comments. We will give you this address if you wish. There are also some useful websites you can visit:
www.naapnet.org (checked February 11, 2008);
www.carcinoid.org (checked February 11, 2008);
www.cnetscanada.org (checked February 11, 2008).
Q: Where can I stay in London when I come for tests or a clinic appointment?
A: We have a list of hotels, motels and Bed and Breakfasts (B&B). The B&Bs are generally less expensive than large hotels. Ask a member of the Neuroendocrine Team for this list.
Q: It is expensive to stay in London for all my tests. Is there any financial support available?
A: You can contact your local Canadian Cancer Society to learn more about funding assistance. Our team’s Social Worker can also help you with financial concerns and tell you about sources of financial support. If you come from Northern Ontario, you can apply for the Northern Travel Grant. Ask a member of your local health care team.
A. You may be able to claim some medical expenses on your income tax return. These expenses include travel costs, drugs and a lot more. If you want to learn more about which items can be claimed, contact a chartered accountant, your financial advisor, or go to www.cra‐arc.gc.ca. You can also refer to a leaflet called “Claiming Medical Expenses on Your Income Tax Return” published by LRCP.
| << Patient Booklet Main Page >> | |
| << Chapter 12 Will I have to go to London for all my treatments? |
Chapter 14 >> Glossary of Terms |