"Breast Cancer treatment"

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2021 and just wanted to write regarding the excellent treatment/care I had from NHS borders. In my forties and a single parent it was a massive blow being diagnosed with breast cancer, my world came crashing down.

On the day I was told Macmillan Breast Nurse Caroline  took me to one side and gave me her contact information and said I am here for you 24/7 and never a truer word was said. I cannot speak highly enough of Caroline throughout my journey she was absolutely 100% always there for me when I needed advice or just someone to listen to.

I have a few people to thank, I had 8 sessions of chemotherapy and I would like to give a special mention to Lindsey  who worked in the Macmillan centre.  I’m not sure of her job title but she was always there with a smile, bringing cups of tea and conversations, such a busy busy place and she always remembered my name. Ailsa, a chemo nurse is fantastic at her job. I must thank the anaesthetist Heather.   I met her when I had to have a port fitted and she has a lovely nature and really put me at ease.

After chemo I then went on to have surgery and my surgeon Shariff  was amazing. I was delighted when I anxiously went to theatre and it was Heather doing my anaesthetic.  She told me a story and made me laugh and put my mind at ease, after surgery she popped into the ward at night time to see how I was doing which was just lovely ! I cannot speak highly enough of all the nurses on ward 7 that took great care of me.  

After surgery I had a short break before I started 19 sessions of radiation at the Western General and I realise this is a different health board but all of the staff there were also amazing. During my cancer treatment I was under Dr Bedi who is lovely and an excellent Oncologist! In November last year I started a new targeted preventative medication so I am still on an active cancer treatment and I am now under the care of Dr Ding who is also an amazing oncologist. I recently had problems with fluid so had scans and checks and I just feel like I am so well looked after.

I had my annual check up with my surgeon and have just had the results of my yearly mammogram which was all clear. I cannot speak highly enough with regards to the care I have had from NHS Borders, from diagnosis everything was speedy and thorough.  I still have regular bloods and go to the Macmillan centre for my medication and to receive zoledrinic acid infusions every 6 months.  

I really feel like I have had great care and continue to receive wonderful care. I was also extremely lucky to get reflexology from Jackie at the Lavender Touch she is absolutely amazing and I loved my sessions with her, her care and compassion was second to none, she will never know how much she helped me. Special mention to my radiologist apologies I cannot remember his name but a lovely lovely man. 

I started by praising Caroline  and I would like to finish by mentioning her again.  She truly is an amazing asset to the breast department! She doesn’t have an easy job but she does it with compassion and really gets to know you and makes time for you. Anytime I tried to get in touch, whether email or phone, she immediately got back to me and spent time talking to me. As the saying goes not all heroes wear capes and she certainly made a very difficult time just a bit easier.

After my cancer treatment there was a great after care, with surveys and phone calls just checking on my general well-being and there truly is a lot on offer from support groups and meetings etc. I shall be eternally grateful for all the people who helped me on this journey  and continue to do so, you truly have some wonderful staff. To anybody reading this who is newly diagnosed please be rest assured you are in good hands. I continue to feel very looked after under Dr Dings care and just wanted to write this to thank you all.