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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 2 weeks ago
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 2 weeks ago
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 2 weeks ago
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.

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