Husband with prostrate cancer

Husband newly diagnosed with prostrate cancer , 

we were surprised to be given our first appointment as a telephone appointment rather than a face to face , and even more surprised when the consultant rang from New York , we were given to options of treatments and given a time period of two weeks to make our decisions , same consultant then phoned again , this time from India , given that this is a stressful time we just feel the pastoral care a bit lacking 

just wondering when we will actually get to see someone before my husband has the brachytherapy , also we are unable to find this consultant on the gmc list although are not disputing that he is a consultant , as the letters are coming from our local hospital and are digitally signed , we are in the south west , has anyone else experienced anything else like this 

  • Hello Sueles, 

    I am sorry to hear about your husband's prostate cancer diagnosis and I can completely understand why you would feel surprised that you were given a telephone rather than face to face appointment and that you felt the pastoral care was lacking. 

    You mentioned that your husband is going to have brachytherapy and I just wanted to mention our page on brachytherapy for prostate cancer which I hope you will find helpful. I am not sure when he might get to see someone but you could perhaps get in touch with his medical team at the hospital to try and find out more. Don't hesitate also to voice your concerns - it is important that you feel reassured that your husband is getting the best possible care and also that you are informed in advance as to what the different steps involved might be. 

    If you wanted to talk things through with our cancer nurses, don't hesitate to give them a ring on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and they will be happy to give you some guidance and answer questions you may have. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator