"My Breast Cancer Story"

My story started when I went to my GP with a suspected chest infection in March 2023. Two days later after a chest x ray she called me in and told me the radiographer had spotted a nodule in my lung and she was referring me for a CT scan which I had in early April 2023.

At the end of April I received a call giving me an appointment for a full body PET scan which had been requested by Dr Whitters, Consultant Respiratory Physician, Glasgow. My appointment with her mid May confirmed the nodule but she wasn’t too concerned. However she had also spotted what looked like a lump in my right breast and referred me to the Breast Clinic. I will be forever grateful to her for her diligence, care and kindness.

5 weeks later I met with Jen and Julie, Consultant Breast Surgeons at Gartnavel Breast Clinic. They, and the team there, were so kind and supportive. After a few mammograms and a biopsy I was told it was highly likely I had a small cancerous lump in my breast. This was confirmed in July.

I was admitted for a lumpectomy a week or so later. At the follow up appointment a couple of weeks later I was told the operation was a success including the removal of some lymph nodes.

After a short break to give my incisions a chance to heal I had 3 weeks of radiotherapy at The Beatson, Glasgow. The patience and caring attitude of the radiologists there (particularly Section D) made the experience more relaxed than I could ever have hoped for. My treatment finished at the end of September 2023 and my follow up will be in August 2024.

Meanwhile I am still being monitored for the nodule in my lung which is stable.

I hardly know where to start in giving my thanks to all the NHS staff I met in those 6 months. The kindness, patience and care I received was absolutely second to none. The speed at which I received treatment deserves to be acclaimed as all too often we hear people complaining about our NHS.

So to all the reception and admin staff, nurses, radiologists, consultants and surgeons I extend my sincere and heartfelt thanks.