Hello,
As some of my previous messages mentioned I’m in the very early stages of treatment for metastatic breast cancer that has spread to multiple places. My cancer was discovered less than a month ago in A&E due to debilitating symptoms I’m experiencing. So my treatment so far has been an emergency.
Ive already spent a week in hospital and was admitted again with heavy bleeding due to my first goserelin injection and needed a blood transfusion.
I am being treated in W London. It’s very poor. From the admin, A&E , hygiene, lack of communication between nurses and Drs and even my own consultant, I have been let down again and again.
I’ve waited 20 hrs on ward to see any Dr even when just brought in from A&E. My first ever scheduled meeting with my consultant was meant to be via phone yesterday and I waited all day and they didn’t call. I’m meant to have regular blood tests to monitor my platelets and have none booked in. My chemo is meant to be weekly (I’ve had 2 so far) and I have none further booked in. I have complained to PALs already and will so again. I just don’t feel like this is good enough. I don’t trust them to help me.
Ive tried through the GP to go to the Royal Marsden but was rejected. So I’m wondering if I should try to go to Chelsea and Westminster? It’s a bit further and probably not that different but I know it better as I had my children there.
To not have any faith in your Drs/hospital feels very hopeless to me. May as well give up now.
I am sorry you are having such a hard time of this. It’s tough when you are lurching through emergencies and haven’t fully established the normal patterns and contacts. Do contact your oncologist’s secretary to ask when you can expect to get the call. On the blood tests, my hospital gives me blood forms but expects me to book myself in for blood tests and get them done at the relevant time. It would be worth understanding whether that’s what you are expected to do. As for changing hospital, I suggest you give this time to settle. I know it’s frustrating but changing hospital will only add in further delays - if it’s even possible.
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I have metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer, in remission
