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Is nobody in the NHS listening?

Rossco1955
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My Partner has been diagnosed stage four anal cancer, no treatment as yet other than drugs for pain.

This week she is suffering from being unable to breathe when sitting or lying down. It was so bad on Sunday evening that both she & I thought she was having a heart attack, So I took her to our local A&E. They did the tests… & diagnosed a panic attack!!! Then they discharged her. Yesterday morning her breathing was so bad she didn’t feel able to sit in the car for the 6mile drive back to the A&E, so I took her to our doctor’s surgery… they gave her sedatives… 

She has an appointment tomorrow with her Consultant to discuss her cancer treatment, but it is 70 miles away, so she’ll have to cancel as she won’t be able to manage the journey. The nearest Maggie’s is also 70 miles away.

She’in great pain, can’t lie down or sit, so can’t sleep & is exhausted. Yet no-one in the NHS seems to be listening to her.

  • Welcome to Cancer Chat, Rossco1955.

    I'm so sorry to hear about what you and your partner are going through. It sounds incredibly tough and frustrating, especially with the severe symptoms she’s experiencing.

    It's good to hear that she had an appointment with her consultant to discuss her treatment, though it's understandable if the journey was too difficult for her. If she wasn’t able to make it, maybe there’s a way to follow up with the medical team remotely, like a phone or video appointment? It might be worth asking.

    Hopefully, other forum members who have had a similar experience caring for their loved ones with cancer will come in shortly to talk with you and offer some insight and advice. Until then, if you think that it could be helpful to ask some questions to one of our nurses, please know that the team can be reached on this number 0808 800 4040 Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. 

    Last but not least, please remember we're always here for you if you need a chat.

    All the best to you and your partner,

    enata, Cancer Chat Moderator

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