"My cancer journey"

We often feel the need to comment on the negatives, which during my cancer journey I have experience of.  I can still remember very clearly how an individual nurse made me feel whilst getting chemotherapy at the Beatson.  You are very vulnerable at the beatson when receiving treatment, you are going through this emotional rollercoaster and not a friend or relative can be with you, your on your own.

Anyway my story is about the very different and positive experience I received at F South in Inverclyde. I was there for an OP appointment.  The staff from the receptionist to the girl taking my height  and weight were warm friendly caring omg what a positive experience.  There were apologies and explanations for clinics running behind (I always say just take a picnic when your at the Beatson).  

I feel that The Beatson is incredibly busy and perhaps the strain from such vast numbers of patients/clinics/treatments is starting to take its toll on staffs care and compassion.  I feel that staff I have come into contact with there have perhaps forgotten that cancer is still terrifying and that we are going through a journey where nothing is certain.  They seem to be so caught up in being busy they forget this isn’t just another day at the office for us.  That said thank god for the Beatson and places like it because without them many of us would not be here today. 

Would it not be better for staff and patients to have more of these local centres I’m sure patients who attend the RAH would feel the benefit emotionally.

I must also take this opportunity to thank Alison my breast cancer nurse, I can honestly say that she makes me feel like she is my own personal nurse, which is an amazing quality when I know she has many hundreds of ladies to look after.  You have been a rock to myself and my family and friends who always know I can just phone Alison when anything is in my mind,  Well done Alison and thank you so much.