Currently that commonly held saying there there is no cure for cancer is the case. In some circumstances
a curative route can be taken. This is not by curing you of the cancer itself but cutting out
the infected abd surounding area of cells. These are surgical treatments and are usually the standard route
for long term survival where it's possible to take. For example in the colon that could involve removing
a section of the colon and putting back together the remaining healthy colon.
I suspect many like me will get somewhat fiaxated on treatments specifically for the cancer. Please
see my learnings and consider taking a more holistic approach.
This to me shows the cancer treatment is just one of the key pillars, alongside diet, well being and exercise. The
others, whilst harder to quantify, are likely to be key in any journey.
Standard treatments might be undertaken alongside surgical routes to help reduce or control the cancer.
I've listed out some of the common forms of treatment, as well as emerging treatments and
my experiences with this. Specfics on that treatment type can be found often on the cancer research website
or other cancer charity websites or at a lower level of detail via fb groups
- Chemotherapy
- The standard treatment most will have some familiarity with it. Typically these are systemic
drugs that target rapidly dividing cells. Often administered through an IV drip also orally
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Targeted cancer treatment. Sometimes somewhat confused with immunotherapy. These targeted
treatments are not specifically designed for the individual but intead target particular mutations or attributes of that cancer type
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Immunotherapy
- Newer personalised treatments based on an individuals DNA.
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Radiation therapy
- This form of treatment uses beams of intense energy to kill cancer cells. Emerging techniques have increased
the degree of precision to whoch this can be focused at cancerous cells and not healthy cells
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SIRT = Selective Internal Radio Therapy.
Used to destroy liver tumors. Beads which remit radiation are inserted into the liver. The radiation
emited is over a short distance and so is targeted at the tumors.
Previously this was used primarily in curatative context but is also now bein used in a palitative
context to slow the spead of growth and extend life.
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SRT, SBRT, SABR = Stereotactic radiotherapy.
This is in essence short / narrow and intense beam/s of radiation designed to focus on specific tumor areas.
Newer forms of treatment
Hi, please see below for information and links to some of the newer emerging treatments
Overseas treatment
A I did you may decide that over seas treatment may offer a lifeline and have the means to explore and take it. In 2023 I was lucky enough to
receive treatment in Japan. Below are the key steps I took and experience. Many of the principles of which apply for overeas treatment anywhere
. Before going too far I would look for a relevent facebook support group. It's much more valuable to talk to those with physical experience of traveling
for healthcare in that country.
Comparing different overseas countries and options
Aside from comparing the physical types of treatments themselves I considered the following before arriving at Japan:
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How stable and well regulated is healthcare in that country - For example whilst some treatments in China, Mexico may have been appealing I'd have had
some concerns regards to this
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How well advanced is that treatment type in the country - For example how long has that treatment type been provided in the country and by that clinic.
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Are you physically able to travel to that country - Could you reasonably tollerate the flight and total travel time, can you get health insurace,
what carer support would you need, equipment and is this feasable
-
How stable and well regulated is healthcare in that country - For example whilst some treatments in China, Mexico may have been appealing I'd have had
some concerns regards to this
-
How would you be travelling - via a health travel company or independently - Both have their benefitis and implications.
A travel company will do more of the leg work, but less flexilble more costly. Or independently, cheaper, more flexible but more work ,less ease
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How well regrded is the clinic
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What is the countries policy to health overseas travellers - I.e. do you need a special health visa?
Further to above, Having decided on Japan the steps I then took to make it happen
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Time for money to be transferred to the clinic. I paid upfront and took over 10 days.
I initially used bank transfer but subsequently use online currency exchange firm Cosmo
The process is much quicker, a couple of days for transfer, theyre also great to deal with with personal and very effective support.
Initial treatment cost about £18k. Flights direct £1.5 to £2k return and hotel around £100 per night.
- Specialist travel insurance - I used insurewith
- Documentation (prescriptions etc) for your UK treatment if continuing that and carry in hand luggage.
- Fit to fly. Check airline policy and get in place if in doubt
- Adding sufficient travel time. 14 hour for direct flight plus 9 hours contingency
- Hotel - I chose hotel Shu around 1km walk from the clinic. It had a small kitchen and organic supermarket is very near to the clinic.
- Try where possible to plan for contingencies, potential for flight delays, jet lag, illness out there etc..)
- Consider Japanese climate and seasons. I.e. I suffer from some neuropathy and plantar symdrom. So didn't want to start going when too hot or too wet or too cold.
- paid for a 1hr consultation with a Japanese oncologist. Obtaining clinical papers, covering questions etc ...
- got PICC line removed, for purpose of flying
- moved privately for UK treatment and was transparent (most oncolgists seemed comfortable with this (keeping UK treatment and overseas treatment just working around that
- organise a trip with enough time to prepare. Enough time to get funds and arrange a bank transfer. Consider ability to raise for 2nd 3rd round of treatments etc...
- Line up a willing travel companion / support and travel to airport.
- Get insurance, fit to fly and proof of meds
- Book flights, then accomodation, then airport taxi
- Determine communication, esim in particular. For when out there. Determine food and schedule in both UK and Tokyo time.
