"Cancer diagnosis and treatment - wonderful care throughout!"

In October last year, I attended for a mammogram at the age of 40 - this was as a result of a family history of breast cancer. The mammogram was clear.

However, in February this year, I found a small lump in my breast. I contacted my GP and she put me through as an urgent referral. At no time, did she make me feel I was wasting her time.

I received an appointment within two weeks to see the consultant Mr Bhattacharya, who referred me for another mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. Again, at no time, did he make me feel I was wasting his time.

Just one week later, I received the devastating news that I had breast cancer. Mr Bhattacharya was so understanding and compassionate and explained so patiently and clearly what would happen. I had a holiday planned just a week later with my family and he understood how important it was to me that I still went - I explained to him that while I could tell my children I had breast cancer, I didn't know how I would tell them we weren't going to Disneyland. He told my husband and I to go and enjoy our holiday, and that we would deal with the cancer as soon as I got back.

When I met with him again - just a day after we got home - the first thing he asked about was our holiday. It was such a little thing for him to do, but really showed me that I wasn't just another person on his waiting list.

Things happened pretty quickly then - Mr Bhattacharya explained everything so well that I knew exactly what to expect. I met with the consultant anaesthetist (whose name I can't remember) and again he was so friendly and understanding and explained the procedure. Both consultants came to meet me in the day surgery unit both before and after surgery, and took time to put me at ease.

The day surgery unit staff and theatre staff at University Hospital Ayr were so helpful and friendly. I was allocated a named nurse - I think her name was Cheryl - and she couldn't have been more understanding - even giving me a cuddle when I was upset at leaving my husband.

From the initial GP appointment to having surgery, I couldn't fault anything. Staff were courteous, while compassionate and understanding. I would like to thank everyone for making such a difficult situation bearable.

After surgery, I met with another consultant - Ms Tovey - and again she was so understanding and patient in explaining my pathology results. Thankfully, my cancer hadn't spread and while I need to have chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the wonderful staff I have met so far, mean that I am confident that the treatment I will receive will be the best.