"Overall, I have nothing but praise and gratitude for the Breast Cancer Centre"

It was a shock in the middle of the COVID-19 lockdown to find a large lump in my armpit. But the GP at Gracemount Medical Practice acted swiftly to bring me in for examination, and on to the Breast Clinic for a one stop shop scanning and diagnosis.

The result was confirmation of breast cancer which had spread to one lymph node. I was put in the care of Mr Nageh, who has to be the kindest, most attentive surgeon I have ever encountered. He took great care to explain every aspect of my condition and his proposed solution, drawing diagrams to help me understand.

As I had other health issues, he took advice from a cardiologist and ensured that I had a very full examination by a consultant anaesthetist, Dr McNarry. This gentleman was similarly attentive, and his dry sense of humour was just what a terrified patient needed.

It was decided that I should have a wide local excision (lumpectomy) and axilla clearance. Once in hospital, I cannot name everyone but I have to say that the staff were all wonderful. Nothing was too much trouble. I was fearful going in, especially as visitors were not allowed, but sharing a large airy room with two others meant I was not alone.

The food was good, and I was pleasantly surprised to get iced water, topped up regularly. Obviously having surgery isn’t pleasant, but the care I received was first class, and has continued  with my breast care nurse Fionnuala (probably spelled that wrong, sorry). I await the next stage of radiotherapy with some trepidation but my experience so far has been so positive.

The only negative to report on is the dreadful problem for me in getting parked at the breast clinic. I have a blue badge as I can’t walk well but the car park for cancer patients is closed off for no apparent reason. Some cars get in. It depended on the mood of the person in charge whether they would let me in.

I was reduced to tears on more than one occasion thinking I would miss my appointment. It’s not so bad at general outpatients as there is a blue badge car park and wheelchairs nearby which my husband could get and push me along. But the breast unit is hemmed in by building work with no blue badge parking close enough and no wheelchairs in sight. Small thing, big impact!

The other small niggle which had a big personal impact is the fact you never have bariatric gowns. I had to request one for surgery and got it but my diagnosis scans were so embarrassing as no gown fitted me. It’s my worst memory of the whole experience, having to tell the male health care assistant at CT scan that no, I can’t pop on that gown as my arms won’t fit in it, and have him shrug and say well that’s all there is. And having to sit in the open, naked to the waist with the gown just laid over me, terrified I would reveal all to the other patients when I got up to follow the nurse into scan room.

Hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of medical tech but can’t keep a couple of £12 plus size gowns onsite. Giving larger ladies a wee bit of dignity doesn’t cost much - I shouldn’t depend on a good health care worker realising the issue and letting me stay clothed, unlike the one unpleasant fellow that I got. Interestingly, that was at the general CT scan place, not the breast clinic. Maybe more dignity training needed there? It’s busier, more crowded so more important.

But overall, I have nothing but praise and gratitude to all at the Breast Cancer Centre.