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Care Opinion

Breast cancer journey

Posted By Living it

"Breast cancer journey"

About: Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre Crosshouse Hospital / Radiotherapy

(as the patient),

I was diagnosed quickly and efficiently. I felt the surgeon was direct and confident in her manner; it made me confident.

Stage 1. I started treatment within 1 week of diagnosis. Chemotherapy. I was then seen by oncologist; this experience was unsettling and I complained at the time to the MacMillan nurse that I never saw the same Doctor twice. Each visit meant a retelling of your story and consequence was no confidence in oncology and I believe now that this is why I was frightened on Chemo days. The most anxiety throughout the experience was when receiving treatment at Chemo. Clinic [This is not about nursing staff who were very good throughout].

Next stage 2, was surgery this went well there were a few post operative issues. . First was when the junior Surgeon came to my bedside and looked at dressings and pulled dressing off I had not seen myself, it was handled insensitively and left me crying.

Next stage 3, was Radiotherapy this went off without hitch and the support of the local cancer care group was tremendous and made the whole experience.

Next stage 4 The After care was organised and uneventful. Mammogram although completed was not available for result at point of year check at hospital clinic

GP service was sensitive and responsive.

Generally I felt that the overall package was very good and that the people I dealt with were knowledgeable and able to support me and enabled me to cope with the time.

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Responses

Response from Eunice Goodwin, Patient Feedback Manager for NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Quality Improvement and Governance Team, NHS Ayrshire and Arran 8 years ago
Eunice Goodwin
Patient Feedback Manager for NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Quality Improvement and Governance Team,
NHS Ayrshire and Arran

I respond initially to most of the posts and ensure they are passed to the appropriate team whether they are compliments, observations or grumbles. It is important to make sure all issues are addressed and I try to encourage that to happen for all the posts as required.

Submitted on 16/07/2015 at 12:27
Published on Care Opinion at 15:52

picture of Eunice Goodwin

Dear Living it,

You seem to have a little bit of a mixed experience overall and I am sorry you found some parts of your care below your expectations. I am glad that if you had to be unfortunate enough to have a diagnosis of cancer that it is diagnosed quickly and efficiently and that your care was mostly good.

Regarding the Oncology Clinics, I think most people would agree that where possible, we would prefer to see the same person at each consultant. Unfortunately, 'it is unavoidable due to number of patients who need to be seen at these Oncology clinics'. (Quote for breast Service Lead)

I am glad that on the whole your care was of a high standard and satisfactory to you. We are lucky in Ayrshire and Arran having such good support from the cancer support charities.

The breast service lead will share your story to ensure any learning and share the pat on the back too.

Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us about your experience of the breast care service and I hope you are recovering well now.

Best wishes,

Eunice

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