To help you find the information you need quickly, our other general leaflets are listed below.
If you cannot find the information you require, please contact our Patient Information Manager: email who will try to assist.
What is breathlessness?
Breathlessness is an unpleasant sensation of uncomfortable, rapid or difficult breathing. It may come on suddenly or gradually over a period of time. The reason for breathlessness is that your body needs more oxygen than it is getting so you breathe faster.
CPR is an emergency intervention that tries to restart your heart and breathing if they stop. This can be a medical emergency but for many it is a natural process at the end of life. CPR is a separate and different intervention to the treatment that you are already receiving.
This leaflet provides information about clinical trials. It explains what clinical trials are and discusses the possible advantages and disadvantages of participating in a trial. Contact telephone numbers for the Clinical Trials Unit are given at the end of the leaflet.
Velindre NHS Trust has the responsibility to offer patients the most effective treatment currently available. This is usually known as standard treatment. We also have an obligation to future patients to help develop new and better treatments.
For people affected by cancer - Information for patients and their families
This leaflet is for people who need to take steroid medication. Some people experience side effects within days so we advise you to read the leaflet to be aware of the possible problems and what you can do.
All patients receiving chemotherapy are at risk from flu. Flu immunisation is recommended if you will be receiving chemotherapy during the autumn and winter. Ideally you should be vaccinated 7 – 10 days before your chemotherapy treatment starts. The immunisation may not be as effective if you have already started chemotherapy because your immune response may be lowered. This reduces your body’s ability to form the antibodies needed to protect you from flu.
This leaflet provides information about the effects of cancer treatment on male fertility. It will explain what infertility is and what options are available to you if you become infertile. Contact telephone numbers and details of how to obtain further information are provided at the end of the leaflet.
This leaflet explains how we will try to follow any personal wishes you have about cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The leaflet will explain what CPR is, how it relates to you and how decisions are made. We know that this is a very sensitive issue. However we feel it is important that you have this information so that you can discuss your wishes with both us and those close to you. We also feel you would want us to be open and honest with you about this.
If you are affected by cancer, you may already know how this impacts on your finances. You or a family member may have extra costs such as travel expenses because you have to go to lots of hospital appointments. You may have to eat more expensive foods to stay healthy in treatment and buy new clothes because your weight has changed. You may need to keep the heating on for longer or at a higher temperature because of the effects of treatment.
Preventing a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in Hospital
This leaflet provides information for patients with suspected metastatic spinal cord compression. It will explain what spinal cord compression is and what treatment you will receive at Velindre Cancer Centre. Contact telephone numbers and details of how to obtain further information are given at the end of the leaflet.
This leaflet provides information for patients having a PICC line. It will explain what a PICC line is, and what to expect on the day that the PICC line is placed. It will tell you how your PICC line is cared for and what you need to look out for. Contact telephone numbers are at the end of the leaflet.
This leaflet provides information on travelling abroad with medication. It will tell you about ‘controlled drugs’ and how you can take such medication abroad. Contact telephone numbers and details of how to obtain further information are given at the end of the leaflet.
This leaflet gives information and advice to people who are taking strong painkillers and also wish to drive. Contact phone numbers and useful websites for more information can be found inside the leaflet.
Information for the Macmillan Cancer Unit
in Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr. The Macmillan Cancer Unit in Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil was built with the help of money raised by Macmillan Cancer Support and by people in the local area, this was supported by Cwm Taf Local Health Board and Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff. It opened in June 2010.
This leaflet provides information for patients receiving a blood transfusion at Velindre Cancer Centre. It will explain why you’re having a blood transfusion and where and how it will be given. It will also tell you about the care and services you will receive during your stay. Contact telephone numbers and details of how to obtain further information on blood transfusions are given at the end of the leaflet.
Specialist Nurse (Supportive Care)
This leaflet explains the role of the Specialist Nurse (Supportive Care), Michele Pengelly. It will tell you what Michele can do for you and your family and how to contact her.
This leaflet provides information for people who may lose their hair as a result of their cancer treatment. The leaflet explains how to care for your hair during your treatment and how chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapies may affect your hair. It gives information about headwear options such as scarves, turbans and hats. It also mentions wigs and tells you how to choose, purchase and care for your wig. Websites for further information and local wig suppliers are listed in the back of the leaflet.