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Cancer treatment

Posted By Wouldloveasteak

"Cancer treatment"

About: Queen Margaret Hospital / Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France / Gastroenterology Victoria Hospital / Clincal Oncology Victoria Hospital / Endoscopy

(as a service user),

I began to have difficulties eating in January 2021. By April I wasn't eating very much at all, had lost approximately 8 kg and could no longer work. I contacted my GP and after a number of tests I was diagnosed with locally advanced oesophageal cancer in April 2021. I don't really know how I felt. I had no feelings about the diagnosis except maybe shock. My only worries then were how my family would feel. 

I feel the care I received was second to none.  I decided from the outset that there was nothing I could do other than place my trust in the huge team involved in my care. This was a a good decision because the multidisciplinary team involved in my care from the outset were excellent. I felt well informed about the whole process. My specialist nurse, Kerys, was on hand via telephone for support when I had difficulties and was always solution focused. 

I am now 5 months post-op and still recovering but looking forward to the future now. For that I am very grateful. 

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Responses

Response from Michelle Jack, Associate Nurse Director, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, NHS Lothian 2 years ago
Michelle Jack
Associate Nurse Director, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh,
NHS Lothian

Submitted on 23/01/2022 at 11:22
Published on Care Opinion at 11:22

picture of Michelle Jack

Thank you for your feedback and for sharing your story it is very important for us to hear.

We wish you well in your ongoing journey and hope you continue to be supported well by our teams.

michelle

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Response from Kerys Russell, Upper GI Cancer Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist, Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) Service, NHS Fife 2 years ago
Kerys Russell
Upper GI Cancer Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist, Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) Service,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 24/01/2022 at 10:48
Published on Care Opinion at 13:38

Dear Wouldloveasteak,

Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your health journey to date and for providing feedback on the teams involved with your care.

I am very glad to hear you are recovering well - wishing you all the best.

Thank you for sharing this with us.

Regards

Kerys

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Response from Murdina MacDonald, Lead Cancer Nurse, Cancer Services, NHS Fife 2 years ago
Murdina MacDonald
Lead Cancer Nurse, Cancer Services,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 24/01/2022 at 13:50
Published on Care Opinion at 13:50

Dear Wouldloveasteak

I am sorry to learn about your problems which made it hard to eat prompting a cancer diagnosis. It is not unusual to feel shocked and have worries about how your family will cope. Facing cancer is not a challenge you should face alone. I am really pleased to learn you developed a trusting and supportive relationship with all members of the team resulting in kind and helpful care.

Support is necessary for patients undergoing treatment and it is important to our cancer specialist nurses that we can provide you and your family with reassurance and support throughout. I am delighted that Kerys is walking beside you and will continue to do as you recover and as you look to the future. Keeping our nursing support in place is essential to help you maintain your physical and emotional health.

Thank you for sharing your experience and we wish you continued recovery post surgery.

Warm wishes

Murdina

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