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"Cancer Treatment"

About: Cancer Services / Radiotherapy Cancer Services / Ward 32 Oncology Clinics (outpatients)

(as a service user),

I have recently finished Radiotherapy treatment for my 7th cancer site since 2019.

I have had, bowel, liver (3 tumors), bowel (rectum removed), throat, right lung, left lung and most recently lymph nodes in chest cavity.

Including 2 illeostomies, 2 pick lines and 1 peg tube.

Initial surgery treatment was disappointing as no chemotherapy follow up was implemented then liver tumors occurred. 

All subsequent surgery by a different surgeon was excellent and successful. 

Throat cancer treatment was brutal with combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. 

The prognosis of the 7th site in lymph nodes was terminal.

In the consultation last year when I was informed by the oncology consultant of the prognosis, there came a point when I asked why chemotherapy was being offered, where a second consultant intervened to tell me, because they are paid to treat people. 

My wife and I returned 1 week later to an appointment arranged by a brilliant MacMillan nurse (Gemma), as we had further questions.

The second consultant oncologist (mentioned above) was unbelievably rude and unprofessional. I was no more than 2 steps in the room when they asked if I had got my head around it yet.

They then proceeded to tell me how they wouldn't have the treatment and would prefer quality of life, while beating their chest with their fist as well as rudely telling my wife "months rather than years".

I ignored their ill-advised comments, informed staff I did not want this  consultant involved in my treatment and was assigned to the first consultant oncologist I had seen instead.

One year on I have had chemotherapy which was relatively successful and have now completed radiotherapy working with a very positive Consultant. 

I fortunately remain well and active and as such I pity those who take the advice of that second consultant, if I had I probably would not be here to contribute to this survey.

The Radiotherapy staff have been excellent, in particular the reception pair Jackie and Bob deserve particular mention.

Not only are they professional and efficient but are warm and welcoming which is extremely important to patients unfortunate enough to visit that department for treatment. 

Not only kind and attentive to patients but also to wives and others accompanying them.

I cannot praise their contribution highly enough.

In summary, every clinician I have told of the comments and behaviour of the oncology consultant referred to here has been astonished and mortified that a doctor could behave in that manner.

If any attention is paid to this submission I would strongly recommend the points regarding this consultant are discussed with them to prevent any other patient being mal-treated in that manner.

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Responses

Response from Samantha Edmonds, Senior Nurse, Surgery, Specialist Surgery, NHS Tayside 3 weeks ago
Samantha Edmonds
Senior Nurse, Surgery, Specialist Surgery,
NHS Tayside
Submitted on 12/09/2025 at 13:29
Published on Care Opinion at 13:29


Dear phasejq57,

thank you for taking the time to share your story and your positive feedback about your radiotherapy treatment and contact with your Macmillan Nurse.

If you would like the opportunity to further discuss the elements of your care that were unsatisfactory could you please contact me directly at samantha.edmonds@nhs.scot

Samantha Edmonds Lead Nurse Specialist Services

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Response from Jenna MacKinnon, Therapeutic radiographer, Radiotherapy, NHS Tayside 3 weeks ago
Jenna MacKinnon
Therapeutic radiographer, Radiotherapy,
NHS Tayside
Submitted on 16/09/2025 at 15:11
Published on Care Opinion at 15:11


Dear phasejq57,

My name is Jenna-one of the therapeutic radiographers from the radiotherapy team.

Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your experience-you have obviously been through so much and it can't have been easy for you or your wife over the last few years.

I'm really sorry to read that you've had some encounters when discussions have been happening to do with your treatment that you've found to be unprofessional. This won't have been helpful to you with everything you're going through. I do hope that you were able to voice how you felt to someone at the time so this could be addressed.

From a radiotherapy side of things-it's great to hear that you found the staff to be excellent and Jacqui and Bob will be delighted that they were a source of positivity for you and your wife when attending for treatment. Thank you for these kind words.

Thank you again for getting in touch,

Take care,

Jenna

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Response from Emma Brown, Consultant in Clinical Oncology, Specialist Services - Oncology, NHS Tayside 3 weeks ago
Emma Brown
Consultant in Clinical Oncology, Specialist Services - Oncology,
NHS Tayside
Submitted on 16/09/2025 at 16:03
Published on Care Opinion at 16:58


Dear phasejq57,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us, including the positive feedback for members of the team. I am very sorry to hear that you have found some aspects of your care unsatisfactory and hope that you have been able to contact Samantha Edmonds (who has replied above with her contact details) if you wish to discuss this further with us

Thank you again

Emma Brown ( Consultant Oncologist)

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