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My cancer treatment journey

Posted By fifer55

"My cancer treatment journey"

About: Queen Margaret Hospital / Outpatients Victoria Hospital / Clincal Oncology Victoria Hospital / Clinical haematology Victoria Hospital / Colorectal Unit Victoria Hospital / SEAL (Surgical Elective Admission Lounge) Victoria Hospital / Surgical High Dependency

(as a service user),

I am towards the end of my sixties and my poo test for cancer came back positive in October 2023.

The notification letter stated that I would be called for a preoperative telephone consultation and would then be booked for a camera examination (colonoscopy) of my lower gut to rule out cancer.

The questions that ran through my head and of my family were ,how long I would need to wait to have my investigations and get my treatment started. Happily, I did not have long to wait. I received a call from the NHS the same week  and that triggered a chain of appointments ,almost weekly, which kept me busy with my mind occupied with preparing for and keeping those appointments!

In the beginning of November the colonoscopy confirmed I had a 5cm cancer in my upper rectum. I had my staging scans in the form of an MRI and a CT in mid November and I saw the Colorectal Surgeon and the Consultant Oncologist, Dr Clive, at the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy the week after.

I consented to have treatment under a research trial named FOXTROT 3, which was studying the chances of curing the cancer by giving half of the chemotherapy before the operation (Neoadjuvant chemotherapy) followed by the operation and then the other half of the chemotherapy (Adjuvant Chemotherapy) after the operation. It was also comparing the difference in cure rates between having two or three chemotherapy agents.

The following week was spent having blood tests teeing up for chemotherapy and having a central line catheter inserted in my arm for administering the chemotherapy drugs (this would stay in place till the treatment was finished).

I had a ‘Prehab’ session at Maggie’s Centre. I was there with other patients with a cancer diagnosis, and it was a session that gave reassurance that I was not on my own. We were informed of the services available to cancer patients and were told we could drop in at the centre anytime, even just for a chat.

I had 3 cycles of chemotherapy on Ward 34 of the Victoria Hospital from November to January 2024.I had repeat scans towards the end of January 2024 to see to what extent the drugs had worked. Fortunately, the scans showed ‘a marked reduction in the size of the tumor ‘

I went to have a robot assisted anterior resection operation performed by Mr. Proctor and the surgical team. It took 7 hours after which I was moved to the High Dependency Unit for the night and onto Ward 45 the following day and home the next. This was only possible as robot assisted surgery is minimally invasive and my post operative pain was manageable within 2-3 days.

I was able to walk about, go to the toilet, and have a shower without assistance. The Colorectal Nurses and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Nurse, Jayne were very supportive. I spent the next 4 weeks recovering from the operation and I was ready to start the second round of chemotherapy (Adjuvant) in mid March. This time round my blood count was a little low after the first cycle and therefore had to wait an extra week to recover. It was all done by the end of April and my central vein catheter was also out by end of April. It took 29 weeks from start to finish.

During all my contacts with all staff at the Victoria (and Queen Margaret, Dunfermline where I had some tests) I was treated with respect and kindness. The levels of care and professionalism were exceptional. I am truly grateful for the high-quality prompt treatment I received.

I am aware that is what is usually seen as something unpleasant and traumatising, but in my case, it was made very bearable and gave me the strength to maintain a positive outlook throughout.

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Responses

Response from Angela Glancey, Clinical Nurse Manager, Medical Directorate, NHS Fife 11 months ago
Angela Glancey
Clinical Nurse Manager, Medical Directorate,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 24/05/2024 at 15:06
Published on Care Opinion at 15:06

picture of Angela Glancey

Dear fifer55

Thank you for taking the time to get in touch with us. I am the Clinical Nurse Manager for the Haematology/Oncology Day Unit within 34 and will pass on your kinds words to them.

I am delighted to hear that you are well looked after and cared for by all the staff you have met in the last 7 months. I am sure they will be absolutely delighted with your feedback and your description of them as always treating you with kindness, respect and showing utmost professionalism. It is always great for staff to get such positive feedback and your comments also show how a great example of NHS Fife always working as a team.

I want to thank you again for getting in touch especially at a time which I am sure has been stressful for you and your family. Remember and take some time, you have been through a difficult time and it often takes about 3-6months after chemotherapy to start feeling like yourself again.

Best wishes

CNM Angela Glancey

Acute Services Medical Directoate- Acute Haematology/Oncology

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Response from Murdina MacDonald, Lead Cancer Nurse, Cancer Services, NHS Fife 11 months ago
Murdina MacDonald
Lead Cancer Nurse, Cancer Services,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 27/05/2024 at 10:58
Published on Care Opinion at 10:58

Dear fifer55

My name is Murdina MacDonald, I am the Lead Cancer Nurse for NHS Fife. Thank you for sharing your detailed and heartfelt journey with us. I am truly grateful for your feedback and pleased to hear about the aspects of your care that stood out to you. I understand how unsettling it can be to receive a positive test result so it’s reassuring to know that your concerns about the waiting time were quickly addressed, and you received prompt follow-up. It’s great to hear that the rapid scheduling of your appointments kept you engaged and prepared. The news of a 5cm cancer in your upper rectum must have been difficult. I am pleased that the subsequent staging scans and consultations with the Colorectal Surgeon and Dr Clive proceeded efficiently. Your involvement in the FOXTROT 3 trial highlights your courage and commitment to advancing medical research. The neoadjuvant chemotherapy, followed by surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy, represents a rigorous treatment plan. Thank you for contributing to this important study. I am delighted to hear you report the Prehab session provided reassurance and a sense of community for you. I believe the collaboration with and the support services at Maggie’s Centre are invaluable, it’s good to know that they made a positive impact on your journey. I am really delighted following your chemotherapy resulted in a marked reduction in tumour size This is fantastic is fantastic news. It underscores the effectiveness of your treatment plan and the quality of care provided by all the team on Ward 34. Your successful surgery performed by Mr. Proctor and the surgical team, and your subsequent quick recovery, highlight the benefits of minimally invasive robotic surgery. I am glad your post-operative pain was manageable and that you received excellent support from the Colorectal Nurses and ERAS Nurse, Jayne. Despite the challenges you faced with your adjuvant chemotherapy it’s wonderful to hear you completed your treatment by the end of April. Your kind words about the respect, kindness, and exceptional professionalism of the staff at Victoria and Queen Margaret Hospitals are deeply appreciated. Providing high-quality and compassionate care is our mission, and we are delighted that your experience reflected this.
I understand that recovery after such an extensive treatment process takes time. It’s important to allow yourself the necessary time and space to heal fully, both physically and emotionally. Please know that our support extends beyond your active treatment phase, and we are here for any follow-up care or assistance you may need.
Your journey has indeed been complex, involving multiple phases of treatment and recovery. We are honoured to have been part of your care and are grateful for your detailed and positive feedback. Your account not only highlights the effectiveness of our processes but also serves as an encouragement to our team and other patients.

Wishing you all the best in the future

Warm Regards

Murdina

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