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I have been so impressed by the speed of investigation

Posted By coinhs48

"I have been so impressed by the speed of investigation"

About: General practices in Fife Queen Margaret Hospital / Clinical Oncology Queen Margaret Hospital / Endoscopy Queen Margaret Hospital / Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) Victoria Hospital / Palliative Care and Hospice

(as a service user),

Went to GP after a couple of incidences when I couldn't swallow food. Otherwise I was eating normally and considered myself fit and healthy. I was quickly referred for a gastroscopy and at that point - because the team had trouble getting the camera down - I realised that this was not going to be a simple problem.

Again I was quickly sent for a CT scan and informed of the results. At this point I met Oncologist Dr Christie and upper GI cancer clinical nurse specialist Kerys. All these investigations and meetings were at Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline.

Since then I have been on a palliative care programme which has had its ups and downs, including having an esophageal stent fitted because I was unable to eat solid food and was even having problems drinking. However, now in my second cycle of chemo and immunotherapy and things are improving. I can eat pretty much normally and my energy levels have improved - which in turn helps my morale.

When I first got the diagnosis I thought that I had just accepted it, after all. I had an inkling that things weren't as they should be. Now I think that I was just stunned. I'd never even had a serious bout of flu in my whole life so reconciling myself for a life limiting condition has been hard to get my head around. Now my thinking is that I'm living with cancer, not looking too far ahead, but not wasting time worrying either.

During this time I have been so impressed by the speed of investigation into my symptoms. You hear so much about delays etc but I don't feel at all neglected either by the team at Queen Margaret Hospital or at Victoria Hospital, where I have been receiving treatment. My GP even took the time to phone me after I had received the diagnosis to let me know how to contact the surgery.

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Responses

Response from Ann Walker, Charge Nurse, Endoscopy, Queen Margaret Hospital, NHS Fife 5 months ago
Ann Walker
Charge Nurse, Endoscopy, Queen Margaret Hospital,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 27/11/2023 at 18:12
Published on Care Opinion at 18:12

Dear coinhs48

Thank you for taking time to feedback about your visits to Endoscopy I was delighted to read your post and see how your journey has progressed so far from your referral to the investigations and then on to treatment. Also the support that has been given to you and your family not only during your treatment but also knowing there is someone at the end of the phone if you need them.

Being diagnosed with any illness affects not only the person but also the family, your positivity shines through and is very welcoming to read. Especially as you are feeling better and your are tolerating diet and fluids now.

Please carry on being positive

Kindest regards

Ann

Ann Walker

ENDO QMH

Ext 20272

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Response from Murdina MacDonald, Lead Cancer Nurse, Cancer Services, NHS Fife 5 months ago
Murdina MacDonald
Lead Cancer Nurse, Cancer Services,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 27/11/2023 at 18:15
Published on Care Opinion at 18:15

Dear coinhs48

Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Your proactive approach to seeking medical attention and the prompt supportive care you received from all parts of our health care team are commendable.

It's inspiring to hear that despite the many challenges you faced through your endoscopy and the challenges you described since you started on your palliative care program that you are focused on living with cancer, appreciating the improvements and maintaining a positive outlook.

I appreciate you sharing your realisation that your life had taken an unexpected turn which was daunting and how you initially grappled with the weight of the diagnosis, questioning how to navigate a future that seemed altered. However, with time you have adopted a mindset of embracing each day as it comes.

Sharing your experience can offer support and insight for others facing similar journeys. Its in these shared narratives that a sense of community and understanding can thrive.

Its heartening to hear that you felt supported by your healthcare team and the person centred approach responsive approach offered by your GP.

Wishing you continued strength and the very best on your journey.

Best Wishes

Murdina

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Response from Kerys Russell, Upper GI Cancer Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist, Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) Service, NHS Fife 4 months ago
Kerys Russell
Upper GI Cancer Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist, Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) Service,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 05/12/2023 at 12:08
Published on Care Opinion at 13:21

Dear coinhs48,

Thank you very much for taking the time to provide some feedback.

I can only imagine the shock of this type of diagnosis following previously good health and I am sorry this has been the case. I am glad to hear that things happened fairly quickly for you in terms of investigations.

I am glad also to hear of the benefit you have had from having your stent fitted, but also that you are starting to feel better within yourself and this has helped your overall well-being.

I hope this period of stability and wellness continues for you but as ever please do not hesitate to get in touch with any new queries or concerns.

Take good care,

Kerys

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