Hi there, the medical bods are great at telling you the process but it's only by talking to others who have actually been through the various stages that you get a better idea of what actually happens and what we can do to help ourselves along the way. As I said before I am glad to help in any way I can.

My radiotherapy was done at a different hospital to the surgery too as each NHS Trust only has a certain number of radiotherapy centres in their area. My treatment started exactly two calendar months from the op date although I had the planning appointment midway between. My bone density test was actually done on the morning of my first session so I was at one hospital first thing for that and then went to another in the afternoon. In all I flitted between three hospitals (one for the surgery, one for the oncology and radiotherapy planning, and the third for the radiotherapy sessions themselves) The third one was only added in because they were upgrading the machines at the second place so had to send everyone to the third instead. Hopefully you won't have quite such a runaround! Interesting that you say your treatment is over 18 days rather than 15 but as we all receive the same total dose I guess it depends on the protocol of each NHS area.

Each step in this whole process takes at least 2 weeks if not more so I am not that surprised that your GP is not fully up to date yet or that you have not had more dates through either. Sorry, but that's how it works, it can get very frustrating, especially if you're like me and patience is a foreign word! The good thing is that you have plenty of time to sort out your Anastrozle perscription.. have you applied for and received your NHS Medical Exemption Certficate (card) yet? I was handed the application details along with a whole batch of leaflets and information given to me after my diagnosis. It came quite quickly and covers all perscription charges (even if they don't relate to breast cancer) for at least five years.

I think you are absolutely right to stay off work until you feel ready to return. You should do as you feel is right for you, physically and emotionally. I rushed back after my op and also after the radiotherapy but was not really up to much at all and now realise I should have stayed away for longer to fully recover. As Kalisunshine says, it's a question of learning to be kind to yourself. Take care and I hope you start getting some dates through soon. Sue x