"Breast Care Clinic"

I was called for a routine mammogram, which went very smoothly & efficiently. Early the following following week I received a recall letter, with information about how, statistically, only 20% of those recalled would go on to further treatment. The letter went on to say that my appointment, for the Thursday of that week, would be for a minimum 2 hours & that I would be seen by a Consultant Surgeon & Radiographer. I was very concerned & convinced that I had cancer. I went along on the Thursday & was given an ultrasound, which was unable to detect the abnormality shown by the mammogram, so was given another mammogram, which did pick up the problem, & a biopsy was taken, which was not very pleasant, but bearable.

I cannot emphasise enough how kind & considerate every member of the Breast Care Team was, reassuring me & explaining every step of the procedure, even holding my hand. I was told to expect a letter giving me an appointment for the following Thursday (today). At today's appointment there was a bit of a wait, but this was forgotten when the Doctor told me that it was good news & that the biopsy was normal. I was so happy.

One hears so many horror stories about the hospital, but, though it was a worrying time for me, I felt totally confident in the care I was afforded & thank everyone on the Team very much. One hears so many negative stories that I felt I had to tell you of my very positive experience.

Even had the result been different, I still had faith that I would be given the very best of care.

I would, however, like to make a suggestion about the initial recall letter. It read "you will have a 2 hour plus appointment" &" you will see a Consultant Surgeon & Radiographer" I managed to read so much between the lines that I scared myself half to death, In the event, my appointment lasted for less than an hour & although I saw a Radiographer, I did not see a Surgeon, nor did I need to. Because it said "will" I immediately jumped to the wrong conclusion. Perhaps if the letter were altered to say "may" I would have believed I had a chance of being one of the 80% who did not need further treatment. Rewording the letter would help to allay fears at the outset.

Despite this I still hold the Breast Care Team in the highest regard. Thanks again.