I have not yet had my final diagnosis. Are you interested in an ongoing contribution? 

Hi Flora, yes we're looking to hear about your memories of any key moments, so maybe you can tell us about when you first noticed something or about going to your first appointment?  Anything that you feel you can share with us would be perfect.

Thank you

I first noticed a swelling under my arm, then a hard lump in my breast. I immediately thought the worst and went to the doctor. Her reaction confirmed that what i was facing was probably , in her words, 'sonething nasty.' Two weeks later I was called for a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. I was prepared to hear the worst again. When the doctor initially examined me, she made it clear that she was concerned by what she saw and felt. During the mammogram the radiographer was extremely gentle with me and when i had the ultrasound, the doctor stroked my arm reassuringly. At that moment, i knew it was bad news. After the biopsy i was called in to see the doctor who told me that they were almost certain i had inflammatory breast cancer, but the biopsy had shown that no cancer was present. They attributed this to too much blood being present in the biopsy. I went home feeling absolutely numb. I was given the name of a nurse to contact if i had any questions, but i haven't been able to get my head around all the questions i need to ask. The main question i need an answer to , is will i get over this. But i have to wait until my next appointment to find out i suppose.

i feel very alone and frightened. I am confused by the biopsy result. I don't wAnt to see anyone as i hate being asked how i am. No one knows i am possibly facing cancer and i can't bring myself to say 'i'm fine thank you' because I'm not.

i have told a close friend but not my close family and that is something i am dreading because my mother is elderly and relies heavily upon me. I 'm finding it difficult to sleep. I don't want to resort to sleeping pills , but the two weeks of waiting for confirmation have just been terrible. I can't eat properly, i can't cry. I want to scream, but am afraid to. Every waking minute is spent thinking about what is happening to my body and when i do fall asleep, the first waking moment is filled with fear.

I started chemo yesterday and cannot praise the way I've been dealt with enough. It's been six weeks from my initial consultation at my GP to my first treatment. During that time I have been treated with the utmost respect and kindness by all health professionals I have come into contact with. It's been a difficult time. I've dealt with a range of emotions, but during every consultation. everything has been explained to me and I have been fully aware of my diagnosis and course of treatment. Nurses, doctors, oncologists  and radiographers have all been careful to offer reassurance and explain each procedure clearly so that the fear of the unknown is taken away.

The  day ward where I received my treatment was a happy place. The facilities for patients and supporters comfortable , spotlessly clean and welcoming. I was made to feel a part of their 'family' immediately..

So much criticism is directed at health workers these days, much of it from politicians who have little first hand experience or harp on about one unfortunate occurrence.

It's time we stopped accepting this negativity and made our voices heard .in support of all these caring people. 

I started chemo yesterday and cannot praise the way I've been dealt with enough. It's been six weeks from my initial consultation at my GP to my first treatment. During that time I have been treated with the utmost respect and kindness by all health professionals I have come into contact with. It's been a difficult time. I've dealt with a range of emotions, but during every consultation. everything has been explained to me and I have been fully aware of my diagnosis and course of treatment. Nurses, doctors, oncologists  and radiographers have all been careful to offer reassurance and explain each procedure clearly so that the fear of the unknown is taken away.

The  day ward where I received my treatment was a happy place. The facilities for patients and supporters comfortable , spotlessly clean and welcoming. I was made to feel a part of their 'family' immediately..

So much criticism is directed at health workers these days, much of it from politicians who have little first hand experience or harp on about one unfortunate occurrence.

It's time we stopped accepting this negativity and made our voices heard .in support of all these caring people. 

Hi Flora,

Your experiance mirrows the treatment, respect and kindness I recieved when I was having treatment for my prostate cancer. I actually wrote two letters to the person in charge stating how good the service was. When I visited the next time I was tols she had had cpied mt letters and and posted them of the various staff notice boards.

Yes I know some people recieve less than perfect service and its right they should complain bur when we get very good service we should also let them know.

There is the other side of the coin which doesnt get much attention and that is the staff sometimes have to deal with very difficult customers. I saw this happen in the early stages of my treatment and I had to have words with the patient as they were being totally unreasonable and objectionable to the staff who were doing their best to help.

Thanks for posting this as not enough people post about the good service so well done for that, Brian.