"I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and received Treatment at Good Hope Hospital"

Nothing can prepare you for the devastating news that you have Cancer but the care I received at Good Hope over the last 12 months has made it bearable. Following an appointment with the GP I was referred to Good Hope for Breast Screening.

The appointment was just 10 days after my GP appointment and the clinic itself was very efficient and friendly. My husband and I were upset when I had to have a biopsy and the health care assistant in particular was extremely caring. My first biopsy was inconclusive, which was just one of those things, it was this appointment I first met Mr Ingle. I will always be grateful for the warmth and compassion portrayed to me and my husband by Mr Ingle at this really difficult time.

I had two operations at the day unit. I found the unit efficient and friendly. Particularly the Anaesthetist put me at ease as I felt very anxious. In my first Oncology appointment Dr Sherriff explained very clearly my treatment options and the side effects. She was supported by Elaine, one of the Breast Care Nurses who was lovely and extremely supportive. Elaine put me in touch with other people and support groups.

During the following months of gruelling treatment I felt like I lived at the Sheldon Unit. I expected this to be a really depressing place but it isn’t. The staff and volunteers are very helpful and friendly. James on reception is lovely and nothing is too much trouble. Julie Bliss would meet with me after each round of chemotherapy to discuss side effects and whatever they were she would find a solution so that I did not have to suffer with it the next time.

Most of the time, waiting times were not too bad. I did have one wait which was over an hour. I did not mind too much, but nobody acknowledged it so we were left wandering if they had forgotten us. Just in case I did ask one of the sisters but felt bad as did not want her to think I was moaning. Therefore I would suggest they pop over to you in the waiting room just to let patients know there will be a delay. My chemotherapy was administered by different nurses all of which were lovely, however Trudy really did put me at ease and was easy to talk to.

On two occasions, I had to go to ambulatory care for emergency treatment, the second time I was acutely unwell as I picked up a chest infection which led to me becoming neutropenic. On both occasions I was seen by Stuart, who acted very quickly and calmly. He was nothing short of brilliant on both occasions.

I had a stay on a ward (sorry cannot remember which one). I feel I was taken good care of. There was one occasion that I was concerned about something and nobody really responded, but overall felt cared for. Following discharge we had to wait almost 2 hours for meds to take home. It was a Sunday but still felt a little excessive.

My treatment is now finished and I will be monitored closely for the next few years. I have now been able to reflect and overall my experience, treatment and care is a positive one. So thank you.