"My care at Peggy Wood breast care centre today"

I was referred to the Peggy Wood breast care centre by my consultant because 8 years after treatment for DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ)  I was still finding issues. This time physical changes to the treated breast.

I was early but staff swiftly made me feel comfortable and tried to help. The clinic was busy but despite the fact I should have been in the clinic later in the day I was reassured and quickly dealt with. My mammogram was quick and despite thinking I would need to wait some time I was quickly placed for a further ultrasound scan.

The nurses were so lovely. Sensitive and emotionally intelligent. I was joined by the doctor on duty - in fact the doctor that had told me I had DCIS 8 years earlier. She talked me through the scan and the reasons for the changes I was experiencing. I felt absolutely confident in her authoritative, calm and reassuring approach. The outcome for me was positive and I can only praise the staff involved. Thank you to all of them.

I would say however, I had surgery followed by radiotherapy at Maidstone 8 years ago. The treatment and staff were outstanding throughout. But, at the end of the radiotherapy I had a final meeting with someone to send me on my way. Unfortunately, they were male and I could barely understand their diction as English was not their mother tongue. It would have made so much difference to me in the years that have followed to have been talked through the changes I might expect and what should concern me to seek further help.

I remain in the care of this Maidstone/ TWells team and am eternally grateful for it. I really do appreciate the lengths they go to!