Best NHS Hospital/Clinic for Cancer Treatment

Hi Axelle, sorry to hear about your diagnosis but great that you found it and did something about it so you’ve caught it early. I don’t think you can go wrong with the Royal Marsden, either in Chelsea or Sutton. They only treat cancer patients which is helpful during COVID times, and have a fantastic reputation for research and groundbreaking treatments. 
Loffie x

Hi Axelle

I second Loffie above, I also had treatment through Royal Marsden in Kingston, Sutton and Chelsea and they were really great all round, not perfect but I don't think anywhere is! You'll be in good hands there.

Sam

Hi Axelle

I also have suspected DCIS (not picked up by Homerton) but suspected by private consultant after more tests. I am also considering a transfer to Royal Marsden - have you moved and how long did it take? Are you happier where you are now?

I look forward to hearing from you

Rx

Barts might be relatively near you if you were at Homerton, and they're also highly research active. They only treat cancer and hearts at Farringdon, their other hospitals are more general.

Thank you - I was also considering Barts as some of the radiologists I saw in the private hospitals work there too

Hi RBG

Hope you’re keeping well.

What do you mean by “suspected DCIS” — as in, what are your symptoms? And how has it not been picked up by Homerton?

I have finished my cancer treatment two weeks ago, which included 2 surgeries followed by radiotherapy.

I did get a referral for Royal Marsden, but I didn’t want to delay having surgery so I got there mid-treatment. They advised me against changing clinics after the treatment has started, so I had no choice but to stick to Homerton. 

The doctor at RM has confirmed though that they have done a great job with the surgery, and it felt like that to me too. I would recommend Miss Parvanta with all my heart, she’s an amazing doctor and at her advice I chose to have repeated surgery and ultimately save the better part of my breast including nipple. I can now have reconstruction in a year and eventually get back to a normal life.

I had radiotherapy at Barts, so have tried that hospital too. I don’t have any regrets because of having such a good surgeon at Homerton and eventually coming out of this feeling lucky.

Otherwise, I’d definitely recommend Barts or the Royal Marsden. I found them miles more professional and organised, and the hospitals look sooo much better as well. Homerton is depressing. 

Your GP can give you a referral for a second opinion. It took about 3 weeks for me to see a doctor.

Good luck and I hope it’s all a false alarm!

Axelle xx

Hi Axelle

Thanks for replying. I've had more appointments this week and my situation is not clear cut because I have lumps, discharge and tissue change but the biopsies so far have come back B3. I am now going to have vacuum biopsies to see what that brings up. 

I have been back and forth to Homerton with symptoms since last October and even with my most recent, significant changes I had not seen a consultant at any point. I was being given conflicting messages from the nurse, the radiologist and from the clinic secretary. I only got a meeting with a consultant (not Miss Parvanta) once I had logged a complaint via PALS. 

I have since been back to Homerton and agreed that I can move to Barts as its been a traumatic experience so far and I think its just best to start again with a new team. I am hoping I was just unlucky and slipped through the net, but the communication issues were very unsettling. 

Good luck in your recovery and its really great to hear your surgery and treatment went well!

Rxx

Do you have an extensive area of DCIS that they think mastectomy best option?  In 2015 I had two suspicious areas picked up on routine mammogram as DCIS doesn't usually show as a lump.  One area was benign (5mm) and second area 11mm high grade DCIS.  I had lumpectomy and radiotherapy and then annual mammograms for 6 years.  

If you don't feel happy with treatment to date ask for second opinion.

Hi R

Urgh, yes... I've experienced plenty of miscommunication issues with the Homerton team as well. Spent many a white night over it. Honestly, if it wasn't for Miss Parvanta, I would not have carried on with my treatment there.

I'm happy for you that you got transferred to Barts. Best of luck with the new team! It sounds super distressing not being able to figure out what's wrong, so I hope you get clarity on that, and I hope it still proves not to be malign :) 

You're doing good to put in all the effort it takes to get to the bottom of it. Don't stop till you're satisfied. I have been sent home repeatedly with "nothing to worry about." In fact, the exact words I got my cancer diagnosis with were "this is really unexpected, but..." 

Keep us updated on your journey.

Lots of love,

Axx

Hi Axelle

I was offered the next biopsies at Homerton this week but decided I didn't want anything else done there. I also realised that even with a move to Barts, it would be a 3 - 4 week wait for tests and results with the transfer. 

The radiologists I've been seeing privately also work at Barts and so I thought I would fast track that element so that I'm not behind another month in case I need treatment. I had the vacuum biopsies Tuesday and they called me last night to say they have found DCIS in one area and the other is highly suspicious for DCIS . They are doing more tests and the samples and I will get the full results next week. 

Obviously I am really upset about the fact I am almost certainly likely to have a mastectomy but I am mainly absolutely furious with Homerton. 

The area of textual change that the radiologist from Barts was most concerned about, was the area they said they were least concerned about!

I know all NHS hospitals are under pressure but I feel like they've been completely negligent with my case. 

If I hadn't gone and got a second opinion I would still be on their surgery waiting list for benign papilloma removal. I will escalate it, but right now my priority is to get a treatment plan in place with a team who know what they're doing.  

I will PM you as want to ask about how you made decisions on your procedures

Thanks so much for keeping in touch

Rxxx