"Treatment for Mantle Cell Lymphoma"

Anything else?

I was sent to ENT Dept by my GP, the consultant sent me for an MRI within 4 days and 3 days later he operated to remove a very large lump in my throat. A biopsy confirmed that I had Mantle Cell lymphoma and I was sent to the Haemotology Dept. to start chemotherapy within a week at the Ricky Grant Day Unit. A few days later I suffered an extremely sore throat and was unable to speak or swallow and they arranged for me to go to A and E on a Bank Holiday to check it out. I waited maybe 10 minutes and after examination was admitted overnight and the following morning was reassured by both the ENT Dept and the Haemotology Dept that it was a reaction to the chemotherapy. The staff overnight at A and E were very caring, as indeed everyone that I saw has been. I have now finished my chemotherapy, after a PET scan and I was told I was in remission and am on a maintenance programme for 2 monthly treatment for 2 years. I was assigned a specialist nurse when I first started and was able to ring them at any time for help and reassurance and they were very good about putting me in touch with MacMillan for help with scarves and wigs as well as good advice about my treatment and medicines. The whole staff have been very kind and caring and have made a bad experience very much easier. Diane Leighton