Bill Shimmins has acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and has benefited from The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre's Ambicare (ambulatory care) service. He shares his story here.
When I was diagnosed with AML, I needed quite intensive chemotherapy. The original plan was that I would have two or three rounds of chemotherapy as an inpatient, followed by a stem cell transplant.
I had my first round of chemotherapy as an inpatient and I had a few issues during it. Your immune system is really weakened by the chemotherapy so you are more vulnerable to infection.
When it came to my second round of chemotherapy, my clinical team offered the option of ambulatory care, where I would have my treatment as a day patient instead of having to stay in hospital all the time.
Initially I wasn’t sure. I was a bit concerned about what would happen if I got another infection. The team at Clatterbridge are so good at fixing any problems you have and the inpatient rooms are very good but it’s a drag being in hospital, not just for you but for your family. It’s all the logistics of being in hospital for weeks and not being able to get outside and have some fresh air.
With ambulatory care, you go in, you have your treatment and you go home but I would be monitored closely with blood tests three times a week. The team explained there was an emergency Hotline that I could call if I had any problems and they would make sure I got the care I needed.
I decided to give it a go and trusted the team and it went really, really well. The care at Clatterbridge is phenomenal but there’s nothing like having your home comforts. You just feel better at home if you can manage it and being able to get outside for a stroll is really good for your mental health.
It also meant my family didn’t have to come to hospital every day or worry about practical things like bringing laundry in. Food in your own home always tastes better than hospital food. I was also able to get up and about more at home, which really helps your recovery.
While you’re at home, they keep in good contact with you and monitor you. Later on in my treatment, I did get an infection and called the Hotline. They took immediate action so I got straight into hospital and onto a ward for treatment. Then I was able to go home again afterwards.
I would recommend ambulatory care to anyone who is offered it and is able to manage at home.