"Breast care team"

I won’t go into the trajectory of going to my GP, myself delaying having a breast lump examination and cold calling to a breast clinic screening van upon turning 50 to see when I’d get a mammogram on the basis of reaching 50.

After seeing GP and a red flag referral I occasionally rang booking centres and was informed how all referrals were being screened regionally- NI wide. Additionally Encompass/Epic was being launched in SHSCT, which added pressure. Thankfully I was seen by my own home Trust - Southern.

I was assessed at breast clinic in June 2025, I was so unprepared to hear they were very concerned, I guess you go into denial or flight mode of anxiety.

The ladies who examined me on my first day there - the doctor, radiologists and nurses - were simply excellent. Especially Annie who made me tea and biscuits, recognising the harrowing afternoon I had undergone with biopsies etc. (I was that detached, I had work with me).

Soon after I met my aligned breast surgeon Ms Scally, I initially did not want to hear her concerns and it was a very difficult time. Ms Scally speedily referred me for a number of scans and tests alongside breast care. She really has given me a full MOT.

Despite being a very busy professional and it being peak holiday times, she would contact me with updates and results. Additionally send letters with clear narrative. Her secretary always rang to assure me that I was booked in before letters arrived.

I am forever grateful that I had surgery, I felt so safe with Ms Scally, her colleagues, the porter, nursing assistant, anaesthetist, theatre nurse, my body healed so quickly and everything after diagnosis has been so streamlined.

A lovely breast care nurse Aine removed my dressings and drain at the appropriate time post surgery and she was wonderful.

I know it was on the news recently about regional delays with breast assessments. This is a Department of Health, governmental matter, not the responsibility of the professionals trying to do their best. I will and would advise all ladies to be breast aware, especially ladies with stressful jobs and busy lives.

It can be difficult getting through to GPs, but we must persist.

I am now at the oncology side of Glenanne, another well streamlined process, which I will comment on in due course.

Thank you so much Ms Scally and team