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Cancer survival

Posted By Forxf57

"Cancer survival"

About: Queen Margaret Hospital / Day Surgery Victoria Hospital / Clincal Oncology Western General Hospital / Gastroenterology

(as the patient),

Down, lost, out of options, third cancer diagnosis in 6 years. Story starts 6 years ago when my younger brother was found to have terminal cancer. This led to me having further cancer tests. I had previously lost a brother to cancer 30 years ago and now a second.

Being prognoses with stage 3 bowel cancer l underwent surgery at the Western General Edinburgh. Routine tests and scans discovered two years later I had a tumour on my kidney. Cancer again. Again surgery to remove tumour.

2024 four years later then passed blood in semen. Thinking it was an infection I ignored it. I was persuaded to seek doctors advice although symptoms had cleared and eventually after 5 months of scans blood tests, prostate cancer diagnosed. I was down, mentally stricken and lost. From thinking I was clear, after 4 years of clear tests, I was devastated.

A specialist nurse at Victoria Hospital Kircaldy saw my despair and took me to Maggie’s, a local cancer counselling centre and saved my life. From crying when alone, in the car, shower and really anywhere. I met people who knew how I felt and had been through it before me. I am sitting having had surgery to remove my prostrate. Thanking all the staff and particularly that specialist nurse. I owe you my life. Obviously all the nurses and doctors I’m grateful for but that one 

Nurse stands out, and I’ll never forget her. 

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Responses

Response from Lauren Moir, Patient Pathway Navigator, Urology Cancer Nurse Specialist Team, NHS Fife last month
Lauren Moir
Patient Pathway Navigator, Urology Cancer Nurse Specialist Team,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 25/09/2025 at 12:56
Published on Care Opinion at 13:05

Dear Forxf57

Thank you very much for sharing your story. I'm sure many people who read it will be touched by your journey. Having one diagnosis of cancer is hard enough, never mind having three.

Our staff always try to provide the right support at the right time, and I'm glad you were able to take those steps to address what has been a very hard time for you. Sometimes all it takes is a nudge in the right direction! It sounds like our colleagues at Maggie's have been an excellent source of support for you, and I am pleased that you are on the road to recovery.

I have shared this story with our team lead and wider staff members.

Wishing you the best for your recovery,

Lauren.

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Response from Audrey Duncan, Staff Nurse, Urology Cancer Service, NHS Fife last month
Audrey Duncan
Staff Nurse, Urology Cancer Service,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 25/09/2025 at 14:26
Published on Care Opinion at 14:26

Dear Forxf57

I am the Team Leader for the Urology Cancer Nursing service -

Thankyou for taking the time to write such a lovely post on care opinion. It truly means a lot to myself and the Team when we read that we have made such a difference to a patients experience.

I will share with our team but also with the Maggie's staff and wish you well on your journey with us

Kind regards

Audrey

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Response from Louise Davies, Patient Experience Officer, Patient Experience Team, NHS Lothian last month
Louise Davies
Patient Experience Officer, Patient Experience Team,
NHS Lothian

Submitted on 25/09/2025 at 15:16
Published on Care Opinion at 15:16

picture of Louise Davies

Dear Forxf57

I am really sorry to hear what you have all been through. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us all on Care Opinion and providing staff with such lovely feedback.

It is heartwarming to learn what a difference the nurse who took you to Maggie's made, and how helpful the support you received there was. I hope this made what must have been an incredible challenging time a little easier.

Thank you again for sharing your feedback, I wish you all the very best in your recovery.

Louise

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Update posted by Forxf57 (the patient)

From an emotional wreck, hard work and support from all the doctors nurses and counsellors has got me to where I am now. The support from family and friends continues that work. I’m mentally in a better place and now know and accept,that it is not weakness to ask for assistance. I thought I was strong enough to manage on my own, however although many can, I needed help. My thanks pale into nothing,compared to the effort others have put into my treatment, mentally and physically. I never expected the compassion and effort that would directed towards me. As my son told me as I wet myself ( no catheter, no prostate, no control, )don’t be embarrassed, you’re still here. Thanks to you all.

Response from Murdina MacDonald, Lead Cancer Nurse, Cancer Services, NHS Fife 3 weeks ago
Murdina MacDonald
Lead Cancer Nurse, Cancer Services,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 14/10/2025 at 16:19
Published on Care Opinion at 16:19

Dear Forxf57

My name is Murdina MacDonald and I’m the Lead Cancer Nurse in NHS Fife. I just want to say thank you truly for sharing your story.
Two cancer diagnoses of your own, and the loss of two brothers to cancer. That’s an unimaginable burden for one person and one family to carry. Your words “down, lost, out of options” are powerful and painful, and they speak to something many people feel but struggle to say out loud. You’ve been through so much, and it’s okay to feel exactly as you do. There’s no right way to carry something this heavy.
Your story prompted quiet reflection. We’re thinking about how we can better support people like you not just with treatment, but with the emotional, psychological, and practical challenges that come alongside it.
You’ve reminded us that behind every diagnosis is a person with a life, a story, and a heart that’s been through more than most will ever understand. That matters. You matter.
Thank you for coming back to share your update. Your words are deeply moving.
To go from feeling lost to where you are now mentally stronger, supported, and able to ask for help is a journey that takes immense courage. You’ve reminded us that strength isn’t about going it alone, but about knowing when to reach out and let others walk beside you.
Your gratitude is humbling, but I want to gently say: you deserve every bit of compassion and care that’s come your way. The honesty in your story especially the moment with your son is something I won’t forget. “Don’t be embarrassed, you’re still here.” That’s a line that says everything about love, survival, and what truly matters.
On behalf of the cancer nursing team in NHS Fife, thank you for letting us be part of your journey. Your story is helping us reflect, learn, and continue to show up with kindness and purpose.

With warmth and respect,

Murdina

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Response from Nola Cassidy, Senior Charge Nurse, Day Surgery Unit, NHS Fife 2 weeks ago
Nola Cassidy
Senior Charge Nurse, Day Surgery Unit,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 15/10/2025 at 08:42
Published on Care Opinion at 08:42

picture of Nola Cassidy

Dear Forxf57

Thank you for taking the time to share such a personal account of your journey, your open and honest feedback has resounded through each team and service and the impact they have on a patients experience. It good to see you that you are now in a better place.

We as the day surgery team wish you well in your future journey and are glad to have been a positive part of it.

Nola and the Day Surgery Team

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Update posted by Forxf57 (the patient)

I may not have fully identified all the departments nurses, doctors and ancillary staff who have helped me on my journey, for that I apologies. I know I owe a great amount of thanks to you all. Maggie’s who I mentioned very briefly I owe a lot. Especially the cancer survivors who were present on my visits. The feeling being in a safe space,allowed me to communicate my dreads, feelings and fears with people who understood and comforted me. I cried going to my first meeting stopping the car on route. I cried after meeting the other group members, then cried as I told my story. One handed me tissues, one rubbed my back, whilst another politely told me to stop apologising. I think it was politely. That was the start of my recovery. I wish them all, my deepest thanks. I am now in a far better space all thanks to Maggie’s and those friends of made there.

Response from Murdina MacDonald, Lead Cancer Nurse, Cancer Services, NHS Fife 2 weeks ago
Murdina MacDonald
Lead Cancer Nurse, Cancer Services,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 20/10/2025 at 14:02
Published on Care Opinion at 14:02

Dear Forxf57,

My name is Murdina MacDonald. I am the Lead Cancer Nurse. Please don’t worry about not naming every individual or department as your gratitude shines through, and I know it will mean a great deal to everyone who’s been part of your journey.
The clinical team has shared your reflections on Maggie’s with great appreciation. Your experience highlights the vital role they play in supporting patients emotionally and psychologically, and it’s clear that the safe space they provided was instrumental in your recovery.
Thank you for expressing this so openly it means a lot to everyone involved in your care. Your words are a powerful reminder of the impact compassionate support can have, and I’m sure they will resonate with others who read them.

Warmest thanks again for taking the time to reflect and share.

Best wishes,
Murdina

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