"My cancer diagnosis"

My GP sent me to the SDMA centre at Treliske. I had to wait ages to be seen because the triage room was out of use. Eventually  I was shown into a bay with armchairs. There I waited and waited, along with about four others. No one told me what the plan was no one fed us till we complained.

Eventually someone came around with a blanket each, it was apparent we were going to spend the night in armchairs, mine did recline, I was a lucky one. After an uncomfortable night the next morning my tests did start. I was given my diagnosis eventually, still in the armchair but with a closed curtain, it was obvious everyone in the room could hear it. Then I was sent home. I had repeatedly asked for anti nausea & pain killing meds, but to no avail. I was sent home and told to come in the next day at 10am.

Next morning I had a pre-arranged telephone call from the gastro ontologist at 9am. He told me not to come in as the case meeting at which I would be discussed would not start till later, and I would just be sitting about. He promised to ring me back in the afternoon with the plan, and he did, great ! I was told a stent insertion would be arranged soon. It was, so great as well.

Today, out of the blue, I had a call from a wonderful lady in ESC a dietician.  She was so easy to understand, & gave me so much information and advice. She was also totally positive and motivational, I felt a weight lifted from my back as she talked to me. This was the first positive move to give me direct help and I had been losing weight and energy for ages and feeling seriously ill. When she rang off I felt better as I had things I could do to help myself and move forwards a little instead of backwards all the time. She lifted my spirits.

So There we have my journey, from a night in an uncomfortable armchair in SDMA with just a blanket, to a diagnosis given within earshot of others, to being uplifted and motivated by this lovely lady from ESC.