"Breast Cancer"

In December 2020 I had an appointment with my GP as I had found a lump in my left breast. From that date I cannot praise the NHS loud enough. I was referred to Lincoln Hospital Breast clinic for an appointment on 22nd January, I was so impressed with the speed and communication with which this was done considering the pandemic and Christmas.  Obviously I was nervous about going for this appointment as my GP had said the lump was suspicious, so in the back of my head was always the fear that it was cancer. At this point let me say I am normally a very healthy, fit and active person who does not frequent the doctor's surgery. 

When I arrived at the clinic I was greeted by a lovely receptionist, Tracey, who's smile and demeanor  put me at ease immediately. I was then taken through to a room and told that there was only one doctor available so I may have to wait a while, luckily I had taken a book with me.

When Dr. Lydia and Staff Nurse Tina came into the room, again I was put completely at ease. Dr. Lydia asked some questions, examined me and explained everything she was doing and why she was doing it, whilst Tina was there on hand with words of encouragement. After the examination I was told that a scan and a mammogram was necessary and it would be done now if I was ok with that, I agreed as I wanted to know what it was, then a biopsy was taken, and again Tina was there giving me encouraging words, a lovely smile and telling me I was doing fine. The doctor doing the biopsy explained everything, even down to when I would hear the click. I was really impressed with the courtesy and dignity these people afford to the patients. Afterwards I was taken back to see Dr. Lydia in a very comfortable room and we were joined by Donna, a breast care nurse and they explained to me what they thought the best course of action would be depending on my biopsy results, they explained that it was confirmed as a cancer, but stressed all the positives and told me of everyone that I could contact for support, and that I would now need to see a consultant so an appointment was made for 3rd February.

My appointment with Dr Ahmed was, as I expected, totally calm and meticulous with Nurse Specialist Jo and a medical student there, and so everything was explained to her in detail so she knew how to approach patients. Permission was asked and granted for her, as well as Dr Ahmed to examine me and she did so very gently and thoroughly under the guidance of Dr Ahmed and, once again, giving confidence and dignity. We then sat down and discussed my condition, and unfortunately I was told chemotherapy would be required before the surgery. Again everything was explained in details as to why this was deemed necessary and then Jo took me to a separate room and talked to me about what happens next and the side effects etc., and gave me a folder of helpful leaflets and booklets, along with instruction to ring her at ANY time if I needed to. I have since been back for a marker implant and am scheduled to see someone in oncology and a PET scan this week.

I cannot stress how amazing these people have been with me from the start, up until now.  The speed at which my case has been processed and is being dealt with is astounding, especially in these difficult days. When the NHS is under such pressures, these individuals have never failed to greet me with a smile and treat me with respect and courtesy, even though they work every day in a highly challenging situation.

When I read the comments and complaints of people who say they are not getting the treatment quickly enough or this person was rude to them, I say this - Walk one day in the shoes of these heroes and if you can still smile at the end of it, try a week and then a month, because these guys don't just go to work to do a job, theirs is a vocation. Thank you to all who have treated me so far and hopefully will continue to see me through, Thank you is not enough!!!!!