"Diagnosis and treatment of breat cancer during lockdown"

My doctor referred me to the Beacon Centre at Musgrove Park Hospital having felt a small lump in my right breast. An appointment came through within 3 days and I was seen by a consultant within 1 week and had a Mammogram, Ultra Sound and Biopsy at the same time.

My consultant told me they would get the results the following week and she would ring me on the Thursday pm. This duly happened.

The results confirmed breast cancer and I was booked in for a lumpectomy on October 5th exactly 5 weeks from discovery of the lump.

All pre-ops were completed and the operation took place. I was in hospital for 1 day only which was fine as everything went well and I was in no pain.

1 week later I had a call from my surgeon regarding recovery and to tell me that I would need Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy and Herceptin as I was HR positive.

Everything was explained in detail and an appointment was made to see an Oncologist. I was also informed that I would have an ECHO every 3 months whilst on Herceptin.

A regime of treatment was planned which started in November. 

At no time was I kept waiting or an appointment cancelled, and I was treated with the utmost care and consideration throughout.

I knew that Chemoptherapy is debilitating, I was given a lot of information on the possible side effects so nothing came as a surprise. The Oncology nurses were at the end of a telephone if I had any concerning side effects and the couple of times I did ring they were showed empathy and care.

I did not have any face to face follow up appointments following my surgery, but I did not need them as the oncology nurses called me every three weeks and I know if they felt there was a problem at all I would have been referred.

I have finished my treatment regime now except for a 6 monthly infusion of Zometa. This has given me no side effects so far.

I cannot speak highly enough of the Beacon Centre and the treatment I received. 

We all know that with any cancer diagnosis outcomes vary and as mine was a grade 3 cancer and HR Positive there is a chance that it may return, however I feel that with the standard of care and the treatment I received I have a good chance this may not happen. 

I thank the Beacon Centre for everything they have done for me. I hold each and everyone of them in high esteem and know I could not have had better treatment.