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.
