"Early Cancer Diagnosis Centre"

in early January 2022 I contacted the Doctor's surgery and spoke with the Nurse Practitioner about my problem.  Painful thighs when I lie on my side, left and right, in bed at night. This had been ongoing for some months and I was now needing to find out what it was.  My husband told me to tell them about my weight loss too. Bloods were taken a few days later and I handed in a poo sample.

When the results came back the bloods were normal, however, the poo sample had blood traces.  The Nurse Practitioner informed me that he would  refer me to the local hospital for further investigation, due to my unexplained weight loss.   Also, I may not be contacted straight away as the hospitals are very busy.

Imagine my surprise, when the next day I received a phone call from the ECDC (Early Cancer Diagnosis Centre).  Lifestyle questions were answered and I was informed about the next step with the ECDC.   I received appointment details for a CT scan toward the end of January, at Queen Margaret, Dunfermline and a Results appointment at the beginning of February, at Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy.

It was like a whirlwind, not of destruction/confusion, but reassurance and comfort.  Everything happened quickly, in a very organised way, giving me confidence that the people who would be caring for me knew what they were  doing and would be there of me.

More bloods were taken and the CT scan was done.  I was contacted the following day by Katie - ECDC nurse - who informed me that the only issue they had was in my lungs.  They were passing me over to Chest Department for clarification.

So, in early February I had my appointment with Katie who checked my legs over and informed me she would try and arrange an Ultra Sound to ascertain the problem.  My appointment with the Chest department was also that same day, in the afternoon.  Mr McKenzie reviewed the CT scan sharing the details with me, not only of the recent scan but the first one I had taken.   This showed an improvement in the overall condition of my lungs but highlighted the need for further  investigation of an ongoing health problem I have with my lungs.  

Amazingly, in less than four weeks I had been assessed for cancer and was clear. What a relief!  

Everyone I came in contact with as very kind and took time with me. It was also a great privilege for me to have been a part of the ECDC Pilot.  

I have since been for an Ultra Sound and there is nothing to worry about.

Please pass on my kindest regards to Lorna - Pathway Navigator and Katie CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist) ECDC Team, who were my points of contact and kept me informed and gave me confidence through this situation.

My grateful thanks,