I sympathize. For me and many of those in rural areas, the weeks of daily treatment were a huge barrier to overcome. At the time I tried to find any place where I could manage to live and get brachytherapy (which requires a week or two of appointments) instead. But at that time it was only happening on the east coast and I could not go there. For me as a self-employed contractor, and for many others out in the boonies, it can be extremely detrimental in terms of even staying employed. Radiation treatment was not available within hundreds of miles from me and my residence and the businesses I contract with. Not all businesses can find someone that easily who is willing to temporarily replace an employee who literally has to move someplace else to get radiation where they can't commute to their job.
I was able to redesign my situation through technological advances that came along at the right time for me, and I became a "computer commuter". Thankfully the people I contract with had faith in me and my ability and willingness to work straight through treatment, which I did. Many times it meant being up all night because the fatigue of radiation sometimes meant I worked slower. And because I was able to be flexible with my work hours and the time of treatment I always booked at times that most working people could not, to try to help.
The rads centers need help with scheduling. Another suggestion would be to try to attend whatever support group the center or medical facility offers, to try to find others who are getting rads and are willing to "trade times" -- or even if the group has any kind of newsletter, as a place to post your need so that bc patients can step in and help one another.
AlaskaAngel
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