November 2024 Updates

13.11.2024

I received a phone call from my GP today explaining that I was going to be placed on a two week referral - cancer pathway - for a mole that I had looked at. A bit of background - I went to see the nurse in June and was referred to teledermatology. It took nearly three months to get an appointment but I was seen on 5th November. It's been looked at and although it doesn't mention cancer on the sheet I've seen, it does say the following:

• Primary diagnosis - benign/naevus/mildly/moderately atypical/dysplastic.

• Secondary diagnosis - pre-malignant/severely atypical/dysplastic naevus.

• Recommendations - urgent referral to a Secondary Care Specialist recommended.

That has, of course, scared the shit out of me as my GP used the word 'cancer' with no checking to see that I was ok; literally nothing. I do wish they'd put two and two together and come up with right fucking answer sometimes. Like I've said many times, it is their day-job; it isn't fucking mine. Anyhow, I should be seen soon. 

And I'll try to keep calm...(not a fucking chance of that if I'm honest).

23.11.2024

Yesterday, I went to the Kent and Canterbury to have my mole checked - I did manage to keep myself calm for those 8 or 9 days. The consultant looked at the mark and I was immediately told that it was a benign mole, possibly even a birthmark. He was absolutely certain of that. I'm quite angry with my GP at only really giving me the very worst case scenario and not going through what was actually on the teledermatology sheet. I won't be letting this go as I believe it has caused completely unnecessary stress. I have already mentioned it to a couple of people and feel that the wording, if possible, could be amended slightly in order to make it a little more patient friendly.

However, on a much lighter note, I met with Rachel to go to a Cancer In Common event at The Future Dreams House near St. Pancras. Storm Bert hit today and has played havoc with the trains - thankfully, I got there without too much difficulty; Rachel, on the other hand, had a nightmare journey. Anyhow, we both got to the station. We had lunch (and a couple of cocktails) first then went along to the event for a couple of hours. It was great seeing a few friendly faces. I cannot stress enough how lovely all the people are in the cancer community. They are all amazing. I just think that these are people that I would never have met if I'd not had cancer. There are some blessings from the shitshow that is cancer.

I have put an Instagram reel together, click here.

29.11.2024

It's been a busy week. On Tuesday, I joined a Cancer Listening Group with my NHS Trust. It was amazing being listened to by the professionals. I had a further meeting with the Macmillan Lead Nurse for Personalised Care today where I was able to share all of my views about the care I received during treatment. Again, it was incredible to be listened to. One thing that has come out of the meeting from Tuesday was that I mentioned that because the Macmillan nurse was wearing her green fleece at my diagnosis consultation, I guessed that I had cancer before I was told. This has been discussed with the tumour group lead nurses and it has been agreed that they won't be wearing their green fleeces at clinics. 

I've also had two of my public health volunteer training sessions. This is going to be great fun and I'm really looking forward to starting. I've also emailed Breast Cancer Now today to find out a little more about being a local representative - someone who will talk about the work that Breast Cancer Now do along with speaking about my own experiences.