I went to the Mermaid Centre at Treliske hospital in Cornwall at the end of December after being referred by doctor to have a lump in my breast examined. The centre there is fantastic and the nurses were all great, but after the initial examination and mammogram I then went in for an ultrasound scan with a staff member who performed the scan; I found them to have some of the worst people skills for a person in that profession that I have ever come across and was truly awful. After examining me for a long time, the first thing they asked was whether I had anyone with me, which immediately made me hysterical.
They then went on to say that they couldn't see on the scan what it was, and that I'd need biopsies done, but in their opinion it was cancer. Now this was done with no emotion, no care and so matter of fact it really was quite unbelievable. I have since been told by multiple people that they were in no position to be stating this to me as if it was fact, especially as I was informed at the same time that they didn't know what it was. It made me hysterical, and fearful for my life, at a time when it was still unclear what the problem was at all.
At the time of writing this I still have not have the biopsy results back, 2 weeks later, and am now sitting here fearing the worst. I am due back there next Monday - so 3 weeks after the initial scans etc - and I will be refusing to see that staff member again. I don't want them anywhere near me. I understand that people just have a job to do and can't get emotional about things, but I do feel that there should be a level of care given and that telling someone that they probably have cancer just off the back of a scan and before any results have come through is pretty unacceptable.
There was no attempt to make me feel better, or even just to say that they weren't sure and were going to do some biopsies just to see what it might be. I found the treatment to be harsh and I feel sorry for anyone else that has to come into contact with this staff member.
"An ultrasound scan for potential breast cancer"
About: Royal Cornwall Hospital (Treliske) / Mermaid Centre Royal Cornwall Hospital (Treliske) Mermaid Centre Truro TR1 3LJ
Posted by Storygirl81 (as ),
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Update posted by Storygirl81 (the patient) 3 years ago