Friday 16 October 2020

Bosom Friends


Yes I know, we are already halfway through Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Lots of my blogging friends have posted about it. I wasn't going to bother...then last week, I noticed something. Let's just say Pinky and Perky weren't as pinky and perky as normal. 

With Bob's encouragement, I decided to ring the GP. I phoned the appointments desk first thing Monday morning. The GP rang later in the day [covid19 means they do as many phone consults as possible], and she then asked if I could call into surgery at 4.30pm.

She was fairly certain it was not serious, but referred me to the Hospital. On Tuesday I was offered an appointment for 9.45 Wednesday morning, someone else had just cancelled. My friend Jenny dropped me off outside Poole Hospital - then went off to the Park to read her book. I was shown into the Ladybird Unit [the specialist breast care dept]. By 11am, I was outside again, having been fully checked, including mammogram and ultrasound -and given the All Clear. [they concluded it was a problem which 'occasionally occurs with advancing years', and not something to be worried about]

All the staff were so efficient, so professional - and so patient and considerate. They were working under covid19 restrictions, but with good grace and cheerful disposition. "Don't feel that you have wasted our time- this was important to get checked out. It could have indicated a real problem" said one nurse as I left the Unit. I was so grateful for the reassurance. 

Jenny and I sat in the Park,  drinking coffee and looking at the birds on the lake. "That was so fast, and I was treated so kindly. Although the mammogram was a little bit painful" I said "Like being put in a sandwich toaster" replied my bosom friend!

Be sensible - remember the TLC advice above. They would rather see you straightaway and start treatment promptly if needed than wait until things are more serious - and if all tests are clear, then they are pleased to send you home rejoicing. 

Thank the Lord for our NHS - may it forever be free and accessible at the point of need.


8 comments:

  1. I found a lump a few weeks ago. I had a clinical exam, ultrasound, mammogram and biopsies. It turned out to be a cyst. The relief was enormous. I tried to apologise for causing bother but, like you, was told I was absolutely right to get it checked. Yes, thank the Lord for the NHS.

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  2. Ah, I'm glad to hear this. This is the way I was treated and dealt with too at New Year. They were kind and considerate and reassured me too.

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  3. I am glad you had that checked and it was done so quickly! And for the good news that there was nothing to worry about. I had to wait for months for referrals, authorizations, appointments, and results.

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    1. Bless, I am genuinely sad that the USA does not have an NHS like ours, always free at the point of need

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  4. Such a relief for you. So glad all is well.The NHS is amazing.

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  5. So glad the NHS was there for you and what a prompt response. It's really good to hear a positive story amongst the doom and gloom.

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  6. Our Health Service sends me a note every year reminding me that it's time for my mammogram - never fun but so thankful that it's available - and free.
    Which reminds me - I just got an envelope with my yearly "poop" test - must do that one this weekend!

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  7. As you know, I've been through breast cancer, and would always encourage women to take up the mammogram offer, and to check anything abnormal with their doctor. So many younger women I know think "Oh, it's nothing"...but it mightn't be. I neither felt nor saw my lump, so I'm thankful that my bi-annual mammogram picked it up! VERY thankful!!

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