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Probable cancer diagnosis

Posted By jacinabox

"Probable cancer diagnosis"

About: General practices in Tayside Respiratory Medicine / Lung Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Team

(as the patient),

As part of my GP's investigation into fatigue, stomach upsets, headaches, joint pain and a few other symptoms, I was sent for a CT scan. It seems an abnormality was detected in my left lung and the suspicion was that it was possibly cancer.

Then the much derided NHS service went into overdrive, my GP contacted very quickly to let me know appointments would be made at the respiratory unit of Ninewells Hospital. Everything happened so swiftly, it was a bit of a double edged sword effect - grateful the system responded so quickly but had the effect of making me aware it was a bit more serious than an ingrowing toenail.

A bronchoscopy was carried but unfortunately was inconclusive beyond determining there was no infection. Following a results meeting it was felt it was cancer and that surgery could be the likely course of action...something that I had not remotely considered.

While I still have a couple of further tests to go, I'm starting to experience a range of emotions that can be difficult to control; denial, acceptance, fear and being downright terrified.

The lung specialist nurses have been absolutely superb, from rearranging CT scans at Perth to be done in Ninewells to providing honest answers to my questions - they really are a precious asset for someone diagnosed with a potentially serious condition and fir their advice and help I'm beyond grateful. Thank you.

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Responses

Response from Victoria Sullivan, Care Opinion Manager, NHS Tayside 5 months ago
Victoria Sullivan
Care Opinion Manager,
NHS Tayside

Manage Care Opinion within NHS Tayside and project manage and facilitate change programmes, transformation and service redesign across NHS Tayside and its surrounding Health & Social Care Partnerships

Submitted on 06/11/2023 at 15:34
Published on Care Opinion at 15:34

picture of Victoria Sullivan

Dear jacinabox

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about the clinical investigations you are currently undergoing, and the important part your GP practice has played in helping facilitate swift urgent referrals.

Feedback is very valuable to all areas of the NHS, and I'm sure that the practice will be pleased to hear that your experience under these circumstances has been positive. As each GP Practice is an independent business, we would recommend that you feedback your experience directly to the practice to allow this to be passed on to the staff. The Practice Manager can give you with details of how to provide this feedback to them, as per their Complaints and Feedback Policy.

I'm sure that the Lung Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Team will respond separately to you in terms of the feedback that you've given their team. Wishing you all the best on your care journey going forward.

Victoria Sullivan

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Response from Susan Smyth, NHS Tayside 5 months ago
Susan Smyth
NHS Tayside

Submitted on 06/11/2023 at 16:44
Published on Care Opinion at 17:01

Dear jackinabox

Thank you very much for your positive feedback, its really good to know that you feel supported. We will continue to support you through these investigations. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with any questions.

Susan

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Response from Lawrie Smith, NHS Tayside 5 months ago
Lawrie Smith
NHS Tayside

Submitted on 07/11/2023 at 08:17
Published on Care Opinion at 08:17

Dear Jacinabox

thank you so much for taking the time to share your story - I appreciate that during what is a very personal and emotive journey, your generosity in sharing your experiences will be a huge help to other people, and your feedback to our teams is so helpful.

Wishing you well onwards through this journey, I know you will continue to be fully supported by our teams in Respiratory.

Thank you again, kindest regards

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