Very confusing!

I’m very confused, my dad‘s radiotherapy has now been stopped and started at least four times every time for a different reason. One being his bowel had moved. but on the next appointment moved into the correct position. His treatment plan was changed the next time it couldn’t be done because of your own difficulties. Again the plan was changed after this it stopped because there’s an obstruction in his bowel plan changed again! On the next appointment the obstruction had moved. My dad has opened up a little and said that he is penis and victim and urethra of all considerably shrunk and I have stopped his treatment again. I don’t know if he’s asking them the right questions or if anyone is able to shed any light on this situation if this is normal or not, I’m so very confused. 

  • Hello, and thanks for your appointment,

    I am sorry to hear that your dad is going through radiotherapy treatment.

    There may have been reasons why they had to delay the radiotherapy. This may include shrinkage of any organs and any medical problems such as bowel blockage. 

    With your dad's permission, you are probably best going into the radiotherapy department and asking the staff there the reasons for the delays so you can understand what is happening.

    The measurements that they take for radiotherapy are very precise indeed and any shrinkage of any of the organs in the field of radiotherapy will have to be taken into account.

    If you can't go to his appointment you could always ask your dad's permission if you can ring and speak to one of the radiographers or if your dad has a CNS (Cancer Nurse Specialist) you could try to discuss this with them

    It can be difficult when you can't understand why all the different delays may be happening.

    You are also both very welcome to ring and chat any of this through with one of the helpline nurses.

    We are here Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm and our helpline number is freephone 0808 8004040

    Best wishes,

    Catherine