my care kit

I apologise in advance if I am going to upset anyone.  This is just my experience and my particular view. Many woman have had very positive experiences with bc nurses who have been invaluable sources of support to women who may not necessarily have support.  My experience was quite negative.  After surgery a bc nurse came to visit me with a bra (wrong size - could have bought anywhere).  She was nice enough but talked mainly about the weather, fashion, etc.  Gave me her mobile number and that of the other bc nurse in the area and she left it at that.

During chemo when experiencing dreadful side effects desperate to talk to someone who may be able to explain what was happing to me (not bothering the busy Oncologist) the system failed miserably.  I rang both mobile numbers given to me but found only answering machines.  Over the next two weeks I kept ringing both numbers leaving yet more messages.  No-one ever got back to me - to this day!  My Oncologist said one was on leave and the other had urgent family business but she was very unhappy about situation.  At the end of the day my GP, who I know and trust, answered all my questions, was happy to see me whenever I needed. I also utilised a govt sponsored breast care psychologist who helped me through particularly difficult times. I was therefore left wondering why do we need bc nurses?  Two of my best friends are specialist clinician nurses.  Both said if the services of a bc nurse were truly warranted they would be employed like any other nurse in the system.  I have breast cancer.  I was lucky to have people hold my hand and give support and I had a good medical team around me.  As a breast cancer patient what do I really really want?  I want a bloody cure!  Imagine where we might be if the donation dollars were directed into research instead of supplying bc nurses?  Problem is most people who donate to a particular breast cancer charity don't realise the money is not going to research.  As long as donation money keeps being directed away from research then finding a bc cure will be further and further away.   I always advise people to donate to the NATIONAL BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION OR CANCER COUNCIL AUSTRALIA.  Just make sure your hard earned donation goes to RESEARCH.