"I have been recently diagnosed with leukaemia"

I was referred to Dr Carol and her team after doing various tests with my GP. 

Dr Carol took the time and care to hear my story. She listened as I told her how my daughter had lost her own short battle with leukaemia at the age of 13. How I have two girlfriends who have breast cancer- one has recovered and one has stage 4. She also listened as I told her how one of my husbands and my closest friends who is the same age as us has stage 4 bowel cancer. 

She listened, she did not judge, she was so caring, compassionate and kind as I unloaded all of this anxiety to her.

She was so lovely and told me what the investigations they were going to follow at the hospital were. She asked what areas of the hospital I had been in with my daughter and she said she would try and ensure that I didn’t have to go past them as they may upset me. 

I cannot express how reassuring and comforting it was. It really helped my husband and I on so many levels before we even started the cancer journey for me. 

Dr Carol also made notes in my file and the staff at the Haematology ward all read my file before I came in for my bone marrow biopsy and transfusion. The staff in the ward are awesome beyond words. They were and continue to be so generous with their time, patience and kindness. They know my history and let me talk about it at appropriate times. The fact that they read my file meant that my stress levels are so much lower even after my diagnosis. I know that I am in the best hands, I have complete trust in the team. 

Even though I have had moments where I have cried or felt unsure they have been so caring and non judgmental. They are so generous with their knowledge of different medicines, timetables and timeline. No matter what the question or the amount of times I feel like I ask the same question they never judge me and just answer everything with a smile.

I cannot commend the staff of the ward here highly enough. From the friendly cleaning staff, the lovely people who always bring me the food- they are so lovely and happy. To the phenomenal administrators, nurses and doctors. The team here are truly world class. I am so blessed to have so many lovely people supporting me here. Thank you