My GP showed complete lack of concern about
the heavy periods after since taking Tamoxifen despite all information clearly
stating that this should be discussed immediately with a health professional as
the drug can cause adverse effects on the endometrium. My GP did diagnose
anaemia but having prescribed iron for two months he did not ask to see me
again at any point in the future to re check my bloods. Not happy with this I
spoke to Macmillan cancer support who referred me straight back to the breast
clinic saying I should see my consultant as this needing looking into and
sorting sooner rather than later.
I saw my consultant, who was very brief and referred me to
gynaecology. Gynaecology wrote to me yesterday. No appointment to see me, just
a letter. A letter referring me back to my GP to have a Mirena intrauterine
device fitted. They also sent me an information leaflet. On page 6 it clearly
stated that this device was not suitable if you have or had breast cancer within
the last five years. Baffled,confused and upset, I e mailed a friend who
works in oncology in England. She came straight back saying they would never
prescribe this to anyone who has or had breast cancer and that this was also
the advice of the British National Formulary. This information also appears on
the cancercare.org uk site.
The reason Mirena is not suitable is that it
is hormone based and my breast cancer was hormone receptive ie the hormones
feed the cancer. My oncology friend has also pointed out that they should be
determining the actual cause of the bleeding and should not just be assuming
that it is the Tamoxifen. I have had no examinations or tests and have not been
asked any questions?
I am at a bit of a loss as to what to do next
as my GP, consultant and gynaecologist simply don’t seem to know what they are
doing.
This is just one of a catalogue of less than
satisfactory care that I have experienced during my cancer diagnosis and
treatment.
GP nor consultant believing there was
anything wrong with my breast in the first place.
Abrupt, off hand man administering the
initial ultrasound and almost sending me home without a diagnosis
Two weeks for clinic to decide what to do
after an abnormal needle aspiration.
No follow up phone calls when expected on
more than one occasion.
Breast MRI arranged for a month after my
planned surgery (required in order to do surgery)
No information given on mastectomy or
reconstruction options, just a general breast cancer booklet.
Breast cancer nurse attempting to take blood
from my arm that had just the week before had a carpal tunnel op (she soon
changed when I said it felt like the stitches were going to burst!)
Breast cancer nurse visiting on the ward 10
mins before my surgery, asking me had I been down or was I waiting to go?
(Wouldn’t this be obvious?) I was sat up reading at the time!
Breast cancer nurse asking if I would be
going home the same evening? Lots of ladies do after a lumpectomy. Mastectomy.
I was having a mastectomy. I never spoke to her again.
GP told me there was no risk for my daughters
of the BRCA1 or 2 gene if the breast cancer was on my fathers side and not my
mothers. Incorrect information.
The more you raise your concerns or push for
answers, the more they are keen to pass the buck and just get rid of you as
quickly as possible. Every time I see the GP or the hospital I feel like I am
going before a jury, to be judged. Armed with my defence, trying to get my case
across so that they believe me. The thing is, this is not just happening to me,
it's happening all over the NHS and peoples lives are being put at risk.
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