Who is coordinating my care?
Cancer is fraught with uncertainty. The healthcare received should never exacerbate it. I was left coordinating my own care, when I really didn’t know what was happening. At the same time holding the hospitals accountable for my care, while I was receiving it. If I…
Miscommunication- Alison’s Story
Alison’s breast cancer story shows how miscommunication has a long-lasting impact on emotional well-being and perception of care. Here’s Alison’s story and what she wants patients and healthcare professionals to learn from it. Alison’s Story Reflecting on the experience of my breast cancer diagnosis, I…
Part 3: Confirm a diagnosis
After seeing the doctor in the emergency department, an appointment was made for me to see a specialist doctor (Consultant) at my local hospital. I needed to see him to confirm a diagnosis and plan my care. I waited two weeks for this appointment. When…
Part 2: Reflecting on bad news
As I sit at home reflecting on the bad news I have been given I feel a little embarrassed. Even with my experience and knowledge, I had simply taken what this doctor had told me as fact; without question. The truth is, that when our…
Receiving bad news about cancer
Part 1: You have lesions in your lungs So, how did I end up receiving a bad news about cancer? Well, after a testing day of cycling, I ended up in the Emergency Department (ED) with a suspected broken back. What happened? I cycled through…