"My unexpected lump"

On May 24th this year I was called, along with all my mates, to the mobile Breast Clinic. We all hate these mammograms so one of us arranges all our appointments together, and the staff are very obliging. This year I clearly recall saying as I walked down the steps "Thats that for the next 3 years thank goodness."

When the cream envelope arrived I opened it with a slight feeling of trepidation but no real concern. I was requested to return for a 2nd mammogram, no real concern, not many people who are recalled end up with a tumour.

I attended the Forrest Centre at Northampton General and had a biopsy done, they told me that it was a tumour and I went back on the 22nd of June and saw Mr Dawson to be told that this was the case and an opp. would be required. The date of the opp. was to be 4 weeks away.

My son then went into panic mode and paid for an opp. at 3 Shires for me. I was handed back to the NHS and put into the care of Mr. Houghton and his team in the Oncology Dept. I've had 20 sessions of Radiotherapy. I opted out of Chemo.because the benefits to me were very low indeed. My last radiotherapy was today.

I have to say that the whole experience, although traumatic and not one I want to go through again, has been excellent. I have nothing but praise for everyone involved with my treatment, which was efficient and concerned but approached with humour when appropriate. All information was given clearly and questions I had prepared were covered before they were asked.

I would like to thank Annie the Breast Nurse who has rung me several times and reasured me, and thank the whole team at Northampton General, keep up the good work - the NHS does do good things still.