"The Macmillan centre and all the cancer support staff are an invaluable asset"

 I would like to commend and thank the macmillan centre and breast cancer team for their excellent care and support I have received over the past 3 years.

Initially diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in March 2020 and despite the huge challenges as the pandemic struck, I received prompt and supportive care fom June, Mr Mustaffa and the surgical ward, theatre staff and Dr Bedi.

I had ongoing support from June during my surgery and radiotherapy treatment, with kindness, caring and understanding.

In May last year ,whilst waiting for further surgery, I saw June again, she quickly noted an abnormality and once again with her support , professionalism and kindness , and following scans , biopsies , I was diagnosed with a recurrence and again received great care from Mr Al-Sabounchi, the ward and theatre staff and June and Caroline , through more surgery.

BECS too were involved and saw me promptly ,again with care and support, for a wound infection .

The care I have received through the Macmillan centre has been wonderful. The support and kindness shown by everyone throughout chemo made such a difference to a bit of a difficult time. All staff were reassuring, friendly and professional , from checking in with reception staff to leaving . Knowing that I could phone up at any time with a query or concern was both reassuring and helpful( there was always someone there)

The following up post chemo is amazing. After having input for months for bloods, chemo phone calls etc , it could be quite daunting leaving the unit when chemo was finished and getting on with things,  but with the follow up form to fill , and further appointments with vicky, who referred to physio and lavender touch, really helped to round of treatment and close that chapter in a gentle , gradual way, which I'm sure has contributed to my overall recovery.

All this and the care, kindness and advise from Yvonne physio along with ongoing lavender touch input from Kirsty , has really made a bit of a trying time so much easier, and I have now been able return to work.

The well being meetings offer further support and reassurance that at any time, regardless of how long ago treatment was, support is always there if needed as a single point of contact.

Many thanks again to everyone for all their help and support.

The Macmillan centre and all the cancer support staff are an invaluable asset to the BGH, and NHS Borders as a whole.