"Message of thanks"

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I just wanted to say a huge thank you to the Consultants and the staff at Ashford & St Peter’s Hospitals. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005-6, which led to a bi-lateral mastectomy and reconstruction. The whole experience (which included a gruelling course of chemotherapy), was not one I would have chosen(!) but I have nothing but the highest praise for those who helped me through it. I owe everyone a huge debt of thanks, and I am here today because of them. They are wonderful people and a wonderful team. The breast nurses were in a class of their own – they helped carry me through and I felt they walked the path with me, as they were always there to advise and encourage me. I have had regular check-ups since then, and in March I was recommended for some further cosmetic breast surgery by my Consultant. I found him to be extremely sympathetic to the emotional impact that the cancer and breast surgery had had on me, and was really pleased that that lipo-filling was offered. I didn’t have to wait long for the appointment (despite it not being classed as ‘urgent’) and the breast nurses were, as always, wonderful. They have always been kind and treated me as an individual, and even though often rushed off their feet, they have always had time for me. I am extremely grateful. I found the whole experience as a day patient at Ashford to be as pleasant as it could be(!), with all the staff kind, cheerful and helpful. The place was spotlessly clean, and nothing was too much trouble. The anaesthetist and her team did a great job, and the recovery nurses were brilliant. I appreciated so much being allowed to ‘come round’ without being rushed. Needless to say, I am delighted with the result, and have re-gained some of the confidence which I had struggled with. Thank you! Thank you to the whole Breast Team, and for the wonderful treatment afforded me. I am so grateful for our wonderful Health Service, and the dedicated staff who make it what it is.