"Brilliant Breast Clinic, Wansbeck Hospital."

Ten years ago my doctor found a lump in my breast and I was referred to the Breast Clinic at the Wansbeck Hospital. This is a ‘one stop’ investigation unit, in that after a mammogram and a short wait I was asked to go for an ultrasound scan. During the scan, which you can see on the screen I saw a small, spider like item..I knew it was cancer, and the radiologist consultant explained all about it. The system here is so quick that shortly afterwards I saw the specialist who explained I had a very small tumour, he planned to operate followed by a course of radium.

This was completed within a matter of weeks, followed by check ups for the next five years.

I was clear of the cancer after that, but had to go back three years ago, when the scars appeared to change...same system. The specialist was almost positive there was nothing there but removed it to be sure.

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A few weeks ago I was referred again for severe pains round my chest and underarms.....same system...I knew by the end of the visit that there was no recurrence of the cancer! Throughout all of these attendances I have received nothing but kindness, professionalism and best of all, the results of the tests as quickly as is humanly possible. As a final ‘belt and braces’ the Specialist suggested a radioactive bone scan, to make sure that there had been no cancer growth there. On my first visit in 2009 I was allocated my own breast nurse, (sorry, can’t remember their official title), and today I rang their office to see if the results were through. The same nurse herself phoned me back within a couple of hours with the best news...no cancer!

So, to anyone starting this journey, please know that here at The Wansbeck there is a fantastic team, with a system that works! At the time of my appointment we had to wait as there was a delay ...BUT in my mind, that means they are dealing with one or more people a great deal worse off than I am. I have put my trust in this team three times now and they have proved their professionalism every time.