"My diagnosis with Myeloma and treatment at UCLH"

In January 2013 I was officially diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, three days before my 50th Birthday. This came as a great shock although I had a few precursor signals that this may happen, I really wasn't ready for the journey ahead. I was working hard, as a Clinical Lead and Service manager, having set up and developed a Children's Mental Health Service in Hertfordshire. I have always loved my job working within the NHS from the age of 18 when I started my career as a student nurse. It was with great sadness that due to my ill health I had to retire by the end of 2013. I was kindly taken on at a UCLH for my treatment and although the journey back and forth from my home on the boarders of Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire can sometime be quite tedious, (it can take anywhere between one and a half to nearly three hours) it has been worth it because of the excellent service and treatment I have received from day one. The medical staff take there time to explain each part of the procedures and to work with me and my family in discussing together the best way forward. I have taken part in three drug trials with the close support of two wonderful research nurses. When the situation has deteriorated there has been the medical staff on hand to clearly explain the situation and explore other options. This has been backed up by the services provided by Macmillan whose excellent supportive staff have helped both me and my family cope with the changes both emotionally and financially. Recent news hasn't been good with an extra tumour growing around my spine causing extreme back pain. The staff on ward T13 have gone beyond the call of duty in my opinion, in ensuring that I am as comfortable as possible. They have allowed my husband to stay by my side both day and night and have helped me to get the pain under control. I am currently staying in the UCLH hotel facilities whilst accessing my care through the ambulatory service. This gives me the best of both worlds. I am close enough to the hospital for all my medical needs whilst staying with my husband in a home from home environment. The facilities are that of a 4* hotel and it provides us with the confidence and comfort we so much need at this difficult time. I cannot praise the service higher enough. The nurses follow the 6C's of nursing and their compassion has shone through. All the doctors I have met have carefully introduced themselves and have taken there time and listened and explained things very carefully to us in an unrushed manner.. I cannot fault the excellent and professional way I have been treated so far and would like to send my sincere thanks to all those involved.