I agree do not put it off.

The hospitals are well equipped for cleaning anyhow but since Covid everything is very safe,  If you didn't need your radiotherapy they would not be giving you the appointment in this crisis.  Wear a face-covering......I know, I know......they bring all this advice that they make no difference.  I made one  ten minutes from YouTube AND lined it by cutting a piece of the vacuum bag!e  According to Cambridge University using the bag as a filter came out as 94%protection.  

I have an infusion coming up and I won't be missing it.  I'll be going mask and all!

petrgn

I think you should also go, Rob. As above ^^ if it's been prescribed for you, then you must do it. My friend is having radiotherapy and reports our main hospital as being extremely vigilant. She hasn't experienced any issues xx 

I note the comment about face masks and I would take care around this, Rob. I am in no way medically qualified and so cannot make any recommendations.....however - I have read that using a face mask could increase your risk of coronavirus .....especially if it's not a disposable one.....As I say, I'm no expert (would be nice to have some solid guidance around this). 

Hi there

I can completely understand why you are feeling scared. If it is any help my mum started 3 weeks of radiotherapy just this week and I am taking her to each appointment. When we arrive at the hospital we both have our temperatures checked and asked several questions ie. have you had a high temp/cough/been abroad. I then take my mum down to the radiotherapy reception and then I need to leave at this point due to the coronavirus restrictions. This is the bit I find really hard as I am not there to help alleviate my mums anxiety whilst she is waiting to be seen. There is never a good time to get cancer but being diagnosed during this pandemic makes things a bit worse. I hope you get on ok at your radiotherapy sessions. Take care and be safe x 

Thank you so much

Masks really prevent us from spreading the virus if we cough - so it protects others.  We use surgical masks (with no filter) for daily nursing of Covid patients but filtered when giving treatments , such as nebulisers, that cause aerosol droplets.  I am happy to wear an appropriate mask at work, I am a Registered Nurse for the NHS, and also to wear my filtered one when going for my treatment.

Hi Rob

You can call the Cancer Research UK nurses if you would like to talk to someone at this worrying time. You can call the nurses on freephone 0808 800 4040, from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. They will be happy to answer any questions. You might also find it useful to read the information on our website about Coronavirus and cancer treatment.

With best wishes

Moderator Sarah

Hey Rob 

I am not medical but I work at a hospital UK. It is really empty at the moment the staff to patient ratio is really  good. 
But for those who decide not to take their apt's they are added to waiting lists which just keep growing. They are only doing apt's that are deemed as necessary. If you have an appointment and it hasn't been cancelled then go. 
You can sign in and say can I go hide in my car please call me when you want me in. 
Most patients are being seen quickly. 
I hope this helps 

Hi, 

I have just been to my planning scan for radiotherapy which will be for 3 weeks starting 18th May. I went in a separate entrance to the Hospital where they took my temperature and they gave me a mask. There were some people waiting to go in for their treatment but the chairs were spaced. I didn't wait long and I saw the Radiographer who explained the treatment and the 2 nurses doing th scan. Everything was very clean and the Hospital takes every precaution to keep you safe. I am going ahead with mine as we don't know how long this Virus will continue and how nice to finish the treatment! 
Hope this helps

Best Wishes

Silver