Social Link Worker at GP advice please

Hi Dexie61,

I had a lumpectomy four months ago and lymph nodes removed. I  finished my radiotherapy a few weeks ago, but must admit I’ve not heard of this before. I got a lot of help and advice from the Doctor in the hospital after my diagnosis and my Breast Cancer Nurse is amazing, she still rings me regularly - however, maybe this is something new, perhaps check it out with your doctors surgery.

It is a shock when you are told and it is important you take a bit of time to let it register and sink in. The strides made in modern cancer medicine these days is amazing and they can do so much for you. However, there is so much you can do for yourself too.

You have made the first big step by finding the Macmillan site, also do visit your nearest Macmillan centre, a list is on here, or ring them on 0808 808 0000, they are superbly helpful and give you lots of great info, do walks, talks, help with benefits, bills, open 10-4 Mon-Fri for coffee and chat and lots more. Please also get a good support structure in place, family, friends, good work colleagues, I’ve lived on my own for nigh on forty years, but realised you can’t do this on your own. I also go for a short walk every day (British weather permitting) and do a daily diary, this is mega helpful, as it gets everything off your chest and out of your system. It is important during the day to keep yourself occupied, hobbies, interests etc., it stops you from dwelling on what is going on. You may also find it beneficial to listen to a meditation podcast, they really help you to relax especially when you are trying to get to sleep. I use one called ‘Go Gently’ by Christine Elizabeth Smith, it does a lot for me. Whatever you do, do not visit Dr Google as there is so much conflicting information, your head will spin and it will stress you out, listen to your medical team and ask your breast cancer nurse as many questions as you want, also, you get great support on here.

I know it’s hard sometimes, but try and keep as positive as you possibly can, have positive people around you and dump the negativity, above all, be kind to yourself - I promise you, you will get through this. You are never alone and can always come and chat to us shower in here.

Keeping fingers and everything crossed for you.

Take care and big hugs.xxx

Hi Dexie61 welcome to the  forum. I wonder if this person is employed as part of the Improving the Cancer Journey happening in most areas across the country. I would be tempted to call them back and ask them to explain for you a  bit more about what this is, why its happening and what difference will it make for you. 

Hi Dexie61 

This sounds very interesting and it certainly wasn't something I was offered when I was diagnosed two and a half years ago. I wonder if it's something new.

x

Update on this, I have received a text message with a questionnaire that I have just filled out asking about what treatment I’m having, and usual Do you smoke, drink, exercise etc.

at the end there is a box where you can put any concerns that you might want to discuss with your GP and they make a personalised care plan covering most things like work concerns, finances, family concerns, general health and other things.

I will let you know more when I have my appointment. Perhaps it’s a local thing to me but I am hoping it’s a nationwide service!

thank you for your replies so far x

I had a call from my GP practice too but can’t remember the role/job title of the person (she was lovely though!). It was a general check in on my wellbeing, whether I needed support with anything and to provide me with information about local cancer services if I wanted. I missed the call initially a couple of time as I was working but they were quite persistent about speaking to me and I was really impressed that my GP surgery followed up like this. x

Ah, this sounds like the wellbeing check I had when I started chemo. Mine was done at the hospital by a person working in the chemo unit.

I gather that, between my initial diagnosis of bc in 2018 and my recurrence this year, GP surgeries have been instructed to contact patients to give any help and advice needed on assessment. It’s just new rulings. Mine was a referral to a ‘social prescriber’ who keeps me in touch with any relevant events. 

Hugs xxx

I got a text off my GP saying good luck and that was it!

Hi Dexie61 I found this link from the NHS in England which explains a bit more about what is happening  and why.

https://www.england.nhs.uk/cancer/living/

The Improving the Cancer Journey as far as I can see is unique to Scotland but does sound very familiar to what is happening for you. 

www.england.nhs.uk/.../