"From start to finish my experience has been really good"

From start to finish my experience has been really good .

I was diagnosed with grade 2 ductal breast cancer in early April following discovery of a lump. My GP referred me mid February and I was seen toward the end of March by the breast cancer specialist team at Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) Paisley. I received my diagnosis at the beginning of April and surgery for lumpectomy was scheduled a month later in May.

That was followed by a short course of radiotherapy at the Beatson Oncology Centre in Glasgow.

Throughout this I was treated with great care and professionalism. I was so impressed by the friendly support and knowledgeable advice given by everyone I encountered despite how very busy they always were. Receptionists, nursing staff at surgical clinic and pre-op assessment (sometimes at Vale of Leven Hospital), radiographers, consultants, ward staff and specialist nurses all gave of their time generously and reassuringly. They kept in touch by phone regularly offering encouragement and gentle advice which was unexpected but very reassuring.

I’d like to say that it is the quality of care by the individuals involved without exception which has impressed me most but they are overworked and understaffed and it’s a concern that should be addressed because at times I could see they were stretched beyond what is acceptable or bearable.

I send my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved