Hello I was just diagnosed yesterday and am in a state of complete shock. Going back for my appointment about the treatment in about 10 days. Does anyone have any advice about choice of hospital - is there any way of finding out best hospitals and do you get any choice?
I would be grateful for any advice.
I’m near Romford- was wondering about the Royal Marsden or my local clinic- Victoria Clinic in Romford.
Viv.
Hi Viv and welcome to the Breast Cancer Care forums.
I am sure you will get lots of help and advice about choosing hospitals from the many informed users of this site, you can also find out about different hospitals and their specialities via the Dr foster website.
You may find BCC’s resource pack helpful, it has been designed for those newly diagnosed. If you would like a copy just follow the link below:
breastcancercare.org.uk//content.php?page_id=7514
If you feel you need to talk to someone in confidence about how you are feeling, please give the helpline a call, the staff here are all either breast care nurses or people who have personal experience of breast care issues and are able to offer you advice and help or just a ‘listening ear’ The number to call is 0808 800 6000 the lines open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm and Saturdays 9am - 2pm.
I hope this is of some help to you.
Best wishes
Lucy
Hi Viv
So sorry you have had to come on here but you will see that you get loads of support and information from all the ladies. It’s a hard road but everybody is here for each other. I have learnt so much. I was diagnosed over a year ago, had mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, chemo, radiotherapy and now on Herceptin.
I am sure other ladies will give you advice from their particular area. I am from the Preston area and we have very good breast surgeons. I had Mr George at Chorley Hospital and have been very pleased with the result. Had my chemo and radiotherapy at Preston and everybody was wonderful with me.
Let us know which part of the country you are in
Lots of love and hugs
Liz xx
Hi Viv
Yes you do have a choice of which hospital you can attend. The best guide is called Dr Foster’s guide. I will Private message you with the website
Hi Viv
Sorry you have had to join us. But the Royal Marsden has one of the best reputations in the country for cancer care, so if it is convenient for you you are probably really lucky. I’m not far from you in Stratford, East London and went to Newham General for all treatment except rads. Now despite its awful reputation they have been stunningly good, and I am so grateful for their care.
Wishing you all the best and good luck
Dilys
xxxx
Hi Everyone
Thank you all for your support and advice. I have looked at the Dr. Foster’s website which is really helpful. Its great to talk to people that understand what I’m going through.
Viv.
Hi Vivien
The Marsden obviously has a reputation as a centre of excllence and it is.
But I was diagnosed in east London…treated privately…but there is a fabulous oncologist and breast care team at King Georges Hospital in Ilford.
good luck
Jane
I’d go for a breast cancer centre of excellence and the Marsden is the best in london in my opinion. Breast cancer centres are likely to have the best range of surgery available if you want reconstructions and to be up to date with latest techniques. Newham General doesn’t offer sentinel node biopsy for example so I think I was better off transferring to Barts which is another breast cancer centre of excellence. The problem with Barts is the poor buildings, the wards are awful and quite depressing in my opinion. At one poiint I was given a cold air fan to use all night because the heating was too hot and couldn’t be adjusted - this was over christmas. So have a look at the Wards you are going to be treated on if you can too
There’s a good person at Charing Cross hospital too Jacqueline Lewis you can google oncoplastic surgery and her name and she should come up with her website
Mole