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"Amazing Care since the beginning of my Cancer journey"

About: Belfast City Hospital / Radiology Craigavon Area Hospital / 4 North Surgical Craigavon Area Hospital / Cancer Nurse Specialist team Royal Victoria Hospital / Radiology

(as the patient),

Thank you to Loretta from Cancer Prehabilitation for her most thoughtful and much appreciated call this past week following my appointment with Therapist Emma at Newry Leisure Center which was a brilliant experience.

Every exercise she did with me in addition to explaining, showing me how and what to do. Her explanations were down-to-earth, full of understanding for me and of obvious empathy for me. She watched my facial expressions and body behaviours closely and I could feel her ‘knowing how’ I was feeling about everything.

Talk about full of the joys of living .... Emma was.... and I left there feeling likewise.

Emma even took time to explain how to prepare my ‘suitcase’ for going into hospital... those small though important details.

In addition her total encouragement throughout, even taking my B/P 3 times, until it reached a comfortable reading, although I wasn’t aware of feeling anxious Emma knew what was going on inside my head?

She is a total gem in this program that is part of the Macmillan Cancer Care which I do trust is able to continue doing this extremely important work that I experienced (first hand) it is doing.

I am taking this opportunity to make mention of Specialists who have been taking such amazing good care of me since the beginning of my cancer journey May 2024.

I have been and continue to be totally blessed and receiving intense and extensive observation and attentions:- ...... I do accept and realize that I have not recorded each person who has played such an important role in my health recoveries but that certainly, in no way, does this mean that I do not remember their face, their invaluable help, their patience, their interest invested in my health, their cheerful attitude....I do feel sad that, in my ‘selfish’ feelings at different stages of this journey, I should have written down their names .... hopefully our paths will cross again but in a non- hospital setting or even in CAH following my surgery and then say thank you.

Okay:- Dr Yousaf. Dr Park, Dr Gemma Corey, Dr Milliken, Dr McElvanna, Dr McKee, Tanya and Jackie Stoma Nurses, Dr Herron & Dr Sharkey my GP’s, Rebecca Staff Nurse at CAH, the young Dr in Bridgewater Suite BCH who explained the possible side effects of my chemo treatments, wonderful Radiologists at BVH, Donna occupational therapist, Phlebotomists, Paula, Sarah (Nurse Specialists), Consultant Dr with Dr Yousaf who did my biopsies, all of the Specialists who supervised my many MRI and CT scans and the NM PET Whole Body FDG at BCH, secretaries to the various Drs who always are cheerful and extremely helpful, the receptionists who register us upon arriving for appointments, those Volunteers who greet us as we wait for chemo radiotherapy, Saorla,  Dietitian who has been with me from July 20/‘24 until my last visit this past week at STH and there are so many more/in my ‘minds eye’ I can see them and hear their voices .... totally not forgetting those loveliest and caring Nurses on level 4- 4North at CAH who took such wonderful care of me last July and perhaps be on my ward! in 2 weeks time - hope so!

Those totally involved folks who gave me /continue to do so valuable information ie:- huge Resources available for cancer patients re: well being of body, mind, spirit as I travel along this totally unexpected cancer journey.

I have never felt alone nor have been afraid since my cancer diagnosis and that is, in huge part, due to the complete package of caring strangers who are in charge of and their expertise is getting me back to (as full as possible) my usual healthy life.

However, I do understand and accept that my future will not be assured as 100% free from cancer but that is how this (unpredictable to large extent) disease works /functions ..... life has its surprises for certain .... I am so blessed for that large group of brilliant minds and experts who ‘have my back.

My continuing positivity and feeling joyful each day is in largest part possible because I am so fortunate and indeed ‘lucky’ to have such a massive support group of brilliant medical minds taking care of me .... and I am acutely aware that I am only one of their many patients relying on and big time appreciative of and for them.

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Responses

Response from Loretta Campbell, Macmillan Cancer Prehabilitation Project Lead, Surgery and Clinical Services Directorate, Southern Health and Social Care Trust last week
Loretta Campbell
Macmillan Cancer Prehabilitation Project Lead, Surgery and Clinical Services Directorate,
Southern Health and Social Care Trust
Submitted on 28/05/2025 at 10:41
Published on Care Opinion at 11:29


Thank you sincerely for taking the time and energy to write this email. To do this, when you have so much happening with your own health is so generous of you. I have already spoken to Emma and I will share with colleagues.

It is reassuring for us all to hear that your experience within SHSCT has been a positive one and for other patients too, hopefully it will be of encouragement to them.

Wishing you well in your ongoing recovery.

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Response from Julie Bray, Service Improvement & Governance Lead, Occupational Therapy, BHSCT last week
Julie Bray
Service Improvement & Governance Lead, Occupational Therapy,
BHSCT

I work with all the Occupational Therapy staff in the Belfast Trust to make our service to you the best it can be.

Submitted on 28/05/2025 at 11:21
Published on Care Opinion at 11:21


picture of Julie Bray

Dear Minne15

Thank you so much for your heartfelt and beautifully written reflection. Your words are a powerful testament to the compassion, dedication, and professionalism of the entire cancer care team.

We’re especially pleased to hear about Donna, our Occupational Therapist, mentioned among the many exceptional professionals who have supported you. Your recognition of her work is truly appreciated.

Your gratitude for the many individuals involved in your journey—from consultants and nurses to receptionists and volunteers—reminds us all of the importance of every role in delivering holistic, compassionate care. Thank you for taking the time to share your story. It will undoubtedly inspire and uplift the team and others on similar journeys.

Wishing you continued strength, positivity, and support as you move forward.

kind Regards

Julie Bray

Occupational Therapy Service Improvement & Governance Lead, BHSCT

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