I have a good relationship and feel supported by my CNS
My primary tumour had shrunk and now now I have a new metastatic disease to my liver. This came as a complete shock as there were no warning that my cancer may spread
I get first class treatment at my chemotherapy unit. They work together as a team and offer additional services to support patients
Callie's Story
- Aged 37 I was diagnosed with primary breast cancer and received access to wraparound service of care.
- Fast forward more than 15 years and I developed excruciating back pain – I was concerned about the symptoms and pushed for a diagnosis. My GP dismissed my symptoms on multiple occasions.
- I knew my body well and had never felt pain like this – I continued to push for diagnostics to find the cause of pain.
- After breaking down, giving my past medical history, and begging for an MRI she reluctantly agreed – the scan showing multiple bone metastases, a fractured vertebra and suspected spinal cord compression.
- My GP had no knowledge of the cord compression protocol and so sent me home to deal with delivering the news to my family.
- I was referred to Oncology and had radiotherapy followed by major spinal surgery.
- When I started this treatment, I had no specialist nurse allocated to me – leading me to feel alone.
- I found a charity; that I now volunteer for, and alongside others in the same boat as me, we pushed for a secondaries nurse to help deal with our drastically different needs to primary patients.
I’m lucky:
- I am on first line treatment.
- I have a wonderful oncologist.
- I received 1st class oncology treatment.
However – we need more!
- Primary patients need more education and support when finishing their treatment.
- Primary care settings need to be educated in the signs and symptoms of metastatic disease.