"Everyone had a smile and a friendly word"

In March I visited my GP with symptoms suggesting post-menopausal bleeding. He immediately booked me a hospital appointment, which I duly attended, and where I received a full examination including taking samples for biopsy.

18 days later (the Easter holiday intervening) I attended a follow-up appointment in which I was informed gently that, as I expected, I had cancer. The surgeon explained the operation and I was assigned a lovely key worker, Debbie, who explained everything in more detail, gave me masses of information, much of it about things that hadn't even occurred to me, had all the time for me I needed and gave the impression that she would be there all night for me if necessary. I cannot praise her enough; thanks largely to Debbie I wasn't frightened at any point from then on.

Exactly a week later I had various tests, including x-ray and MRI scans, and a week after that I had the operation.

The operation time was brought forward by half a day, so I turned up at 7:00am as requested. I was interviewed by my surgeon, anaesthetist and a couple of other people, and taken to theatre about 11. 00am. I spent a long time in recovery as I was too relaxed! and eventually wheeled what felt like half a mile to Branston Ward. There I was tucked up in bed, given tea and toast (oh, that tea was good! ) and generally monitored and looked after until my discharge the following afternoon.

Ten days later in May, exactly two calendar months after visiting my GP, I had a phone call from Debbie to say that everything was clear and no further treatment is necessary. I had cancer. Now I haven't. Thank you.

Two things really impressed me. One was the speed and efficiency with which I was treated. The other was the kindness of everyone I came across. Without exception, everyone - doctors, receptionists, porters, technicians, nurses, cleaners, catering staff - had a smile and a friendly word. They gave the most reassuring impression that my case was routine to them, but that they appreciated it was special to me. This worked so well that the only thing I dreaded was having to tell my family - I wasn't frightened for myself at all.

Oh yes, and Lincoln County Hospital makes a delicious cup of tea!