"I will be forever grateful for the support I've received"

I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. I started a course of chemotherapy at the hospital in Exeter, but my treatment was provided by the Seamoor Unit at the hospital in Barnstaple, as this was much closer to my home. Chemotherapy continued, followed by a mastectomy and radiotherapy at the hospital at Exeter.

I am now back at the Seamoor Unit in Barnstaple on a course of tablets that will reduce the chance of the cancer coming back.  I can honestly say that in my dealings with both hospitals (and this has included various tests as well as the treatments)  I have been treated with real care and professionalism.  In all but a tiny handful of cases, I have also experienced true kindness and understanding of what I've been going through.  Everyone has been patient and happy to answer my numerous questions, however stupid they were. 

My only criticism would be an apparent lack of communication between departments.  This was difficult at the start of my journey, as when you're first diagnosed with cancer everything is so scary and bewildering that you really don't know if what you are being told is right or not. However, things improved once I got to understand the process.  I think it has helped that I have taken control of what has happened to me as much as possible and have chased the relevant departments(s) at the hospitals if I've thought something hasn't happened when it should. 

That said, I've had so much support, and any issues have been dealt with really quickly. I've still got about 4 months of treatment to go, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and life is getting back to normal.  I know the NHS has its problems, but my experience has been so positive and I will be forever grateful for the support I've received.