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"They were very supportive"

About: North Devon District Hospital / Breast care and breast surgery

(as the patient),

I was recalled for a mammogram, for which I believed would be to tell me I had another breast cyst, having had a few aspirated in the past. Being told my mammogram showed potential cancer was such a shock, but the nurses were very supportive and explained really well what was required to get a diagnosis.

I had biopsy’s that same day, and after two weeks, I was told I did have a small cancer lump. The consultant reassured me that surgery would be simple and that as they had found the lump early, I should fully recover.

I am now three weeks post surgery, still a little bruised and sore but recovering very well.

I can’t praise the staff enough for being so supportive, informative, encouraging and empathetic.

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Responses

Response from Claire Herlihy, Advanced Clinical Practitioner - Breast Care (Northern Services), Cancer Services (Northern Services), Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust 2 months ago
Claire Herlihy
Advanced Clinical Practitioner - Breast Care (Northern Services), Cancer Services (Northern Services),
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Submitted on 10/09/2025 at 15:59
Published on Care Opinion at 15:59


picture of Claire Herlihy

Dear Recently Diagnosed,

Thank you for taking the time to feedback on your recent experience with us. I am so pleased to hear that you found staff supportive and that they gave good explanations of what was required.

I can only imagine how overwhelming it must have been to be recalled and then faced with such unexpected news. I’m glad to hear that our nurses and consultants were able to support you through each stage, provide clear explanations, and reassure you throughout the process.

It’s wonderful to know that you are recovering well after your surgery, and I will make sure to pass on your kind words to Radiology and the rest of the Breast team. Feedback like yours means a great deal to us, as it reassures the staff that their compassion and dedication make a real difference to our patients.

We all wish you the very best with the rest of your recovery.

Warmest Wishes

Claire Herlihy

Breast Team Lead

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