Hospital mistake chemo irritated vein

That is so awful. I think your mum should make an official complaint as this needs to be logged somewhere to make sure the same mistake is not made on someone else. I hope she is okay.What an awful experience for you and your mum.

Thanks for your reply, yes I think it’s horrific but I get why I probably shouldn’t go storming in like a bull in a China shop only out of respect for my mum although it is taking a lot to hold back right now. I guess I just wondered if other people have had any similar experiences with the nhs and if I’m overreacting given the current climate… although I have to say that I don’t really give a shit about that in the selfish context that this is my mum 

My diagnosis (Stage 3 with lymphovascular invasion) was delayed for 5 months due to a hospital error.  I know how angry it can make you, but all you can do is focus on getting through the next stage and become more of an advocate - ask for explanations, tell them if you’re not happy or are concerned and ask for another opinion.   I did, within a year, put in an official complaint when I was less upset.  I know it will make no difference to my own prognosis but I felt at least I could highlight the chain of errors that lead to someone being sent home to take paracetamol instead of being diagnosed for those coming after me.  The Breast Unit knew from the second they saw me 5 months later (after me sobbing in the phone and then refusing to see me for the same lump) that they had messed up - and they were sorry - but that’s not the same as an official complaint which investigates exactly what went wrong and makes it safer for the future.  So relieved for you that they picked this up for your Mum and that she hadn’t come to harm as a result.  But try to channel that anger or it can tear you apart at a time when you need to concentrate on her and next steps.  I think you get a year from the incident to put in a formal complaint so if that’s something you might like to do make sure you’ve noted the dates and what happened and then you can set it aside until you know what you want to do - also your mum  will be much further down the line before you have to make a decision.  I hope this helps.