"Prostate cancer care at Musgrove Park Hospital"

Late in 2022 I visited my GP when I came out in a rash which turned out to be shingles. My GP took a blood sample for a PSA test whilst I was there as I had mentioned problems with having to get up in the night frequently to empty my bladder.

I attended a consultation at Musgrove Park Hospital and following, examination, biopsy, X Ray MRI and CT scans was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the beginning of 2023. I was advised to have 6 sessions of chemotherapy followed (after a short break) by a 20 day series of radiotherapy treatments.

The experience of chemotherapy was upsetting and debilitating, but the staff themselves could not have been more supportive and helpful. After having gone through neutropenic sepsis I was admitted for antibiotic treatment and later cared for on Beacon Ward. Janet, the nurse who looked after me understood I was confused and spent time with me until I was able to sleep. Some time later, after being discharged I suffered a fall at home and broke my hip.

The Gould Ward environment following my hemi-arthoplasty operation was unfortunately the worst part of my journey at the hospital as it was not possible to relax in an environment where others were suffering and in pain, crying out in the night and causing disruption through confusion and delirium. Even during this the staff and especially nursing assistants Cheralyn, Alysha, Kate and Matteo were constantly attentive and did all they could to make me comfortable.

After my recovery I was able to proceed to radiotherapy treatment. The staff and environment in the Beacon Centre and in particular in the Radiotherapy Department was exceptional. All staff were friendly and helpful regardless of whether or not they were directly involved with my care. As I was confined to a wheelchair I possibly presented them with a more difficult challenge, but if this was so it was certainly never apparent.

After a slightly upsetting initial discussion with Daniel where the process and side effects were explained, I could not have hoped for a better experience given the situation and circumstances. Daniel was very understanding and supportive. 

It was wearing and exhausting to be visiting the hospital every day for such a long time, but the staff kept up my motivation to keep going. On a very bad day when I needed additional care John spent a long time with me and helped me out considerably. And I was particularly touched when additional members of staff, John and James, remembered my birthday and took the time to give me a bar of chocolate. That was going the extra mile and is something I will always remember.

My overriding memory of my time at Musgrove will be of the dedication, patience, professionalism, thoughtfulness, good humour and hard work of all the staff  involved in my care. Thank you.