[Misc] King Charles has cancer

[HangletonGull]

Why? It’s pretty clear he’ll get through it. Hundreds of people get this news every day. He’s at the front of the queue for treatment isn’t he?

I’ve known you more years than I care to remember it just reading this thread I’m actually a little bit appalled by you thought you was better than that why not just not say anything and move on

 

[One Teddy Maybank]

All elloquently expressed and with a great deal of insight as your posts always are.


You can quote me targets all you like - we all know ‘targets’ don’t mean the same thing as achieving. Please read the link I posted above - Some GPs (including mine) are ‘trying out other options’ before referring people and some are failing to recognise cancer symptoms at the initial point of contact (including with my first bout of cancer). Anyway, you seem to be in denial of my experience of the NHS which is patchy at best so I won argue with you further.

Millions of people are cured of cancer or given extended lives thanks to the incredible work of our tireless healthcare workers and I suspect every single one of us would like King Charles to be in that number - it’s just a shame that for so many, the system is failing them.

So sorry not denying your experience at all - sincere apologies if it seems like that. Just more concerned at what your GP is saying.

 

[Zeberdi]

Conversely, heart warming that the vast majority here stuck to the very human story of a person beginning their battle against C. NSC at its best, again

I’m sorry you find other people’s struggle with Cancer lacks ‘human‘ interest - I and others have wished Charles well on every post and still do but he has shared his story to ‘align himself’ with the people - don’t be surprised if people like myself respond with a different narrative of their own experience of the disease and of treatment - it is exactly those going through a cancer diagnosis or suspected diagnosis now who are going to compare their own experiences- that is human. Everyone who is going through cancer treatment or awaiting test results for cancer for themselves or a loved one will be affected by this in a way others could not possibly be. They have a voice too.

 

[sydney]

Why? It’s pretty clear he’ll get through it. Hundreds of people get this news every day. He’s at the front of the queue for treatment isn’t he?

not necessarily , without them divulging what type we can't make that hypothesis ......if its liver for instance he's probably f***ed.

 

[Weststander]

I’m sorry you find other people’s struggle with Cancer lacks ‘human‘ interest - I and others have wished Charles well on every post and still do but he has shared his story to ‘align himself’ with the people - don’t be surprised if people like myself respond with a different narrative of their own experience of the disease and of treatment - it is exactly those going through a cancer diagnosis or suspected diagnosis now who are going to compare their own experiences- that is human. Everyone who is going through cancer treatment or awaiting test results for cancer for themselves or a loved one will be affected by this in a way others could not possibly be. They have a voice too.

I didn’t read you posts, as I’d only skimmed through the many contributions. So no need to be hyper sensitive with me, don’t make assumptions.

I was most certainly not referring to anyone with C past or present. Just a couple of early snipes at Charles.

 

[Lady Whistledown]

The implication that private doctors are somehow better in their field than NHS ones is quite insulting. The only difference it's going to make if you go privately is that you might get your initial referrals a couple of weeks quicker. Once you have cancer, you have cancer: while I don't have the statistics, I'd be quietly confident that there isn't a massively enhanced survival rate amongst the wealthy compared to those using the NHS, simply because we haven't yet developed a cure for it. Once somebody tells you that either you or somebody you love has it, and that they can't cure you, it's the shittest of shit things, no matter who's paying the consultant.

The thing with many types of cancer is that you often don't know about it until symptoms arise, and then it can be too late, no matter how much you pay for your care. It can be lurking for years without you having a clue. My husband had kidney cancer had no symptoms whatsoever, until late 2020 when he developed a cough which lasted for a few weeks. Being quite run down, and in the middle of COVID, we didn't think too much of it, until he started having breathing difficulties on Christmas Day. I dropped him at hospital that morning, and by 2pm was informed that he had cancer which had already metastised to his lungs and lymph nodes. They said he could have six months or six years. He died less than four months later: I've never once imagined things would have been different if we'd had private healthcare, nor would I have felt any luckier or better about it if we had.

 

[Brian Fantana]

I’m sorry you find other people’s struggle with Cancer lacks ‘human‘ interest - I and others have wished Charles well on every post and still do but he has shared his story to ‘align himself’ with the people - don’t be surprised if people like myself respond with a different narrative of their own experience of the disease and of treatment - it is exactly those going through a cancer diagnosis or suspected diagnosis now who are going to compare their own experiences- that is human. Everyone who is going through cancer treatment or awaiting test results for cancer for themselves or a loved one will be affected by this in a way others could not possibly be. They have a voice too.

That’s absolutely not what @Weststander was saying. I have no idea how you’ve reached that conclusion, to be honest. Quite the opposite, he was saying that every person’s struggle with cancer is of human interest, whether you’re prince or pauper (or in this case, King).

 

[Weststander]

The implication that private doctors are somehow better in their field than NHS ones is quite insulting. The only difference it's going to make if you go privately is that you might get your initial referrals a couple of weeks quicker. Once you have cancer, you have cancer: while I don't have the statistics, I'd be quietly confident that there isn't a massively enhanced survival rate amongst the wealthy compared to those using the NHS, simply because we haven't yet developed a cure for it. Once somebody tells you that either you or somebody you love has it, and that they can't cure you, it's the shittest of shit things, no matter who's paying the consultant.

The thing with many types of cancer is that you often don't know about it until symptoms arise, and then it can be too late, no matter how much you pay for your care. It can be lurking for years without you having a clue. My husband had kidney cancer had no symptoms whatsoever, until late 2020 when he developed a cough which lasted for a few weeks. Being quite run down, and in the middle of COVID, we didn't think too much of it, until he started having breathing difficulties on Christmas Day. I dropped him at hospital that morning, and by 2pm was informed that he had cancer which had already metastised to his lungs and lymph nodes. They said he could have six months or six years. He died less than four months later: I've never once imagined things would have been different if we'd had private healthcare, nor would I have felt any luckier or better about it if we had.

Sorry to hear that. My thinking and real world experience (family and myself) was the same.

 

[A1X]

Last year my Mum received a cancer diagnosis. From the initial diagnosis to the end of her treatment was 4 months, including an operation, chemo and radiotherapy, all on the NHS. I refuse to believe going private would have got that done any quicker.

There are areas of the NHS where things are slow and can be done quicker privately. Cancer treatment, based on my (fortunately limited) experience, isn’t one of them.

 

[Motogull]

not necessarily , without them divulging what type we can't make that hypothesis ......if its liver for instance he's probably f***ed.

Well,, the information is scant and people are bound to speculate.

Given the carrying on of duties, that suggests to me it is not close to the palliative care end of things.

I suspect there were pre op scans but it was not until they had 'eyes on' during surgery, they spotted something to sample. Not being symptomatic does not mean early stages but it might hint at it. I don't think the liver is involved as you would not see it from there. Bladder, rectum and urethra would be visible. For him, I hope it is localised and easy to treat.

I wish everyone diagnosed with any form of cancer the best outcome possible with no treatment barriers.

TV coverage is arguably excessive but, he is our King and it might encourage some to get checked if worried.

 

[OzMike]

My daughter is in remission and a good friend may have just found out that he is losing his battle.
I am not a royalist, but wish Charles the best on his treatment and recovery.
I am glad he got a chance albeit, could be a fleeting chance at the top job, he waited long enough.
Just sending these wishes as one person to another.

 

[Zeberdi]

I didn’t read you posts, as I’d only skimmed through the many contributions. So no need to be hyper sensitive with me, don’t make assumptions.

But I read yours and they came across as a dig at those who hadn’t ‘stuck’ to the ‘story’ of Charles‘ C diagnosis tbh - since your post wasn’t directed at one particular person, it was a fair assumption that you included everyone who tempered their sympathy for King Charles by pointing out his experience of being treated will be very different for many others accessing the NHS - I think if you had read my posts sharing some personal experiences of my own, you would realise that I am certainly not being hypersensitive.

But thank you for the clarification.

EDIT - Just in case others are just scanning or not reading my posts - again, I wish HRH a speedy recovery and sincerely hope he has a good prognosis - my comments should no way detract from that.

 

[Greg Bobkin]

Unnecessary

The waiting list and the mouldy Council flat? Totally agree.

 

[AmexRuislip]

The implication that private doctors are somehow better in their field than NHS ones is quite insulting. The only difference it's going to make if you go privately is that you might get your initial referrals a couple of weeks quicker. Once you have cancer, you have cancer: while I don't have the statistics, I'd be quietly confident that there isn't a massively enhanced survival rate amongst the wealthy compared to those using the NHS, simply because we haven't yet developed a cure for it. Once somebody tells you that either you or somebody you love has it, and that they can't cure you, it's the shittest of shit things, no matter who's paying the consultant.

The thing with many types of cancer is that you often don't know about it until symptoms arise, and then it can be too late, no matter how much you pay for your care. It can be lurking for years without you having a clue. My husband had kidney cancer had no symptoms whatsoever, until late 2020 when he developed a cough which lasted for a few weeks. Being quite run down, and in the middle of COVID, we didn't think too much of it, until he started having breathing difficulties on Christmas Day. I dropped him at hospital that morning, and by 2pm was informed that he had cancer which had already metastised to his lungs and lymph nodes. They said he could have six months or six years. He died less than four months later: I've never once imagined things would have been different if we'd had private healthcare, nor would I have felt any luckier or better about it if we had.

So sorry to hear this EK.

 

[Kinky Gerbil]

Well,, the information is scant and people are bound to speculate.

Given the carrying on of duties, that suggests to me it is not close to the palliative care end of things.

I suspect there were pre op scans but it was not until they had 'eyes on' during surgery, they spotted something to sample. Not being symptomatic does not mean early stages but it might hint at it. I don't think the liver is involved as you would not see it from there. Bladder, rectum and urethra would be visible. For him, I hope it is localised and easy to treat.

I wish everyone diagnosed with any form of cancer the best outcome possible with no treatment barriers.

TV coverage is arguably excessive but, he is our King and it might encourage some to get checked if worried.

Sounds like it's only top level duties, meeting the PM etc

 

[Zeberdi]

That’s absolutely not what @Weststander was saying. I have no idea how you’ve reached that conclusion, to be honest. Quite the opposite, he was saying that every person’s struggle with cancer is of human interest, whether you’re prince or pauper (or in this case, King).

I’m not getting into an argument here, sorry - I haven’t the energy or inclination.

Suffice to say, the post I responded to was not directed at GB or anyone in particular but was worded as a general dig/criticism at those who are unable to react to Charles’ news and the amazingly fast care he is getting on the NHS without feeling somewhat let down by the care they or their loved ones have had for cancer/suspected cancer...

People can’t just ignore the problems with the NHS and if NSCers think that won’t be the reaction of millions of patients who feel let down by their primary care services while the King gets rapid, grade A, top class treatment, well that’s naive. I don’t want to make this political but the NHS in some areas is a fcuking mess right now in terms of staffing and distribution of resources (particularly in low income areas) and especially at the point of diagnosis and that’s from the mouths of GPs, Consultants and nurses, all of whom I have engaged with consistently over the past 18 months. I was referred for an ‘urgent’ cardiology appointment last April by a hospital consultant in another department - I finally had that appointment last week and now on a waiting list for a contrast angiogram (or something or other!). That is a government guideline for urgent cardiology appointments apparently - 52 weeks. That mess becomes part of the very struggle some people have with cancer - Why can’t folk understand that? It is the cancer narrative for many people, especially for those in low incomes areas where pressures on primary care services are at breaking point.

EDIT Dispite some really positive experiences some people have had with the NHS (and I agree private Consultants are no better than NHS ones (all mine are absolutely wonderful) - they are also often the same Consultants that have private practice too. However, it is the point of referral that is the weakest link for cancer - GPs are simply not qualified or equipped to recognise cancer symptoms in their patients nor are practices set up these days to recognise a gradual deterioration in their patient since people rarely get to have their own GP these days and continuity of care is lost. I’m sorry for the tragic losses expressed on this thread - my father died in my company, ravished from cancer, my 86 year Mum was operated on for aggressive cancer a few years ago that was delayed because she too was sent away with antibiotics by her GP after complaining of a painful lump in her face, he assumed it was a tooth abscess - she had a very aggressive parotid cancer (salivary gland) and ended up losing half her face).

Hopefully the King will not experience anything like the misdiagnoses or delays to treatment I and others have had and he gets the very best care at all stages of his journey. That is clearly the ’story’ here so for his sake, I hope it is a good one.

 

[One Teddy Maybank]

Just for a degree of clarity, people in this thread talk about the consultants as though they are different in private and NHS care, when more often than not they are an NHS consultant working privately.

You do of course have consultants who are purely private, but in my experience they’re not the norm., and locally where that is the case I know several who are at the end of their career.

In terms of cancer, if it is diagnosed privately the consultant will often bring the case for discussion and sometimes treatment into the NHS.

With apologies to those who have experienced challenges in getting through the system in a timely manner, the larger proportion (thankfully) do experience a positive journey/treatment path, but outcome is everything and delays in presenting to the GP, the GP referring, diagnostics not being carried out can impact. This applies to patients whether they are from either affluent or deprived area. Cancer does not distinguish between the two, neither does the NHS.

As I mentioned earlier on there are a number of screening initiatives to support earlier diagnosis including FIT (testing your poo) if FIT is greater than X get referred, Targeted Lung Health Checks being rolled out nationally (if you’re between ?55 & 75 and have ever smoked) you may be invited for a CT, targeted prostate health checks, liver surveillance, bowel screening, breast screening, gynaecological tests, genetic testing post diagnosis for other family members…..

GPs are supported with clear referral criteria and digital solutions. If you feel something is wrong painful lump, continuous cough, blood in faeces or urine, unexplained weight loss, to name but a few. See your GP and demand to get referred….. (you can google referral criteria).

This is cancer services alone, I can’t comment on cardiac or other services.

Sorry if this post sounds ranty but although the NHS is under pressure, all the staff will do their utmost to support patients towards a positive outcome….

 

[sydney]

My daughter is in remission and a good friend may have just found out that he is losing his battle.
I am not a royalist, but wish Charles the best on his treatment and recovery.
I am glad he got a chance albeit, could be a fleeting chance at the top job, he waited long enough.
Just sending these wishes as one person to another.

heart breaking when your kids are faced with this shit....sorry to hear , hope she stays well x

 

[The Mole]

I’ve been very impressed with my experience on the cancer pathway. Swift referral from the GP. Bit of hassle getting the appointment with the dermatologist - but a quick referral for surgery. Whenever I enquired about private treat they said it would be no quicker. Surgery done efficiently- on the same day as the Forest match (big downer as I was going with my brother) but impressed that they operated at the weekends. Results were a bit tardy ( received by late December but not put on the system for three weeks.). great to get the full results on the MyMFT app but would have liked some explanation. Follow up with the surgeon last week - given v promising news but I will have follow ups every three months for some time and I can call him at any time. Mine was very straightforward but good to see the system really work.

one final comment…. Wear sunscreen (especially on the lips)!!

 

[Fignon's Ponytail]

Wish the King well in his treatment.

Im no Royalist, but wouldn't wish cancer on anybody. A part of me does feel "niggled" that his treatment already started on Monday though. Totally irrational I know, and he is our head of state with private care etc, but this is why....

My mum went for a routine scan on a painful jaw last April, which was clear, but the doc wanted to take a look at her lungs as she was a bit breathless. From May until mid October she underwent scan after scan, after scan - all the time being told the results were inconclusive. On Halloween she was phoned and told she had lung cancer, and a week later in a face to face appointment, told it was stage 4 which had also spread....and had about 6 months to live.

She is now in the middle of her four chemo cycles, but both appointments were delayed, and they couldn't even start til after Christmas because they couldn't fit her in.

Im slowly accepting that we wont have her around much longer, even with chemo, but a part of me does wonder if it might be longer if it hadn't taken so long to diagnose and start treatment. God bless everyone in the NHS (as some may know, my wife is part of it all) but sometimes I do wish it wasn't so broken.