"Breast cancer care"

From initial diagnosis to ongoing check ups I've felt supported all the way through the process. Everything happened quickly and efficiently and all the staff at St Barts were all very professional and considerate. Jackie Jones the nurse specialist has been very supportive, the doctors were all clear and informative, the reception staff were welcoming and the radiotherapists very efficient and friendly.

When I panicked mid-treatment about a neck/head pain and went to St Mary's A & E they were patient and non-judgemental despite it not being serious. When I tried to do too much after radiotherapy and went several times to my GP and Whipps Cross with a chronic tension headache they again were patient and arranged extra tests even though it was nothing worse.

This has been my first experience of serious illness and hospitals as an adult and despite it obviously being a difficult time, I have been pleasantly surprised by how smoothly everything has gone.

The hardest part of the process has been to avoid doing too much too soon after the operation and radiotherapy and I think that was mainly due to my own expectations being too high. However it might be useful (particularly for younger or more active patients) to emphasise the importance and benefit of rest and recovery - I think the advice was a bit (understandably) general.