out of touch

I tried many times to get hold of breast care nurses in both private where I had my first op and public where I had Mastechtomy and in many sections and was just fobbed off and given lip. I have now made appointments my with new hopsital where I had my Hysterchtomy and thought that doctor that is next week ,I just have to  get through to Wednesday. I cannot believe how flippant and mouthy people have been and accused me of being a winger basically. I have even written to this site under Contact no response, no one cares to help.

Hi Peta,

I was in the public system and found that I was looked after extremely well and was referred to many things. One of the things I did do was an oncology rehabilitation course. It helped physically, emotionally and practically.  I would try the breast care nurse again and if you get no response this time, I would complain to the hospital. I would also ask what resources there are out there rather than wait for then to tell you. I found both the onc nurses in the day ward as well as the oncologists were a great source of information.  I finished treatment 7 months ago and since then I have received counselling, physio (as the chemo has damaged my vestibular system and I was having falls), the oncology rehab program as well as being able to attend "think pink" in Melbourne for meditation.  Perhaps call the cancer council to see what they have available. The fact that you are feeling like never leaving the house ever again makes me think that you would certainly benefit from some counselling. You could perhaps also speak to a social worker at the hospital who may be able to offer some assistance. I didn't connect with my breast nurse very well but got on really well with the onc nurses so used to talk to them instead. Keep trying until you find someone that will listen to you and your needs. Take care. Karen xox

Thanks Ton I think I have given up though. You get sick of the lip and bad manners. Am over everyone just feel like I never want to go out and see another human being again Hugs to you Peta

Thanks Tracey, I don't think he believes me like everyone else. Its a terrible non caring system, and am sick of people being rude to me. Best of luck to you lovey

Hi Peta, sorry to hear you are having a rough time of it.Some hospitals to it better than others. Hopefully your GP can help you ( as Tracey suggests) It would have been helpful if the breast care nurse had given the relieving nurse a proper handover. Don't give up- you deserve good treatment so just demand it.xx

Hi Peta, sorry you are having a rough time of it. Like you "the system" has let me down. The day I found a new lump none of the emergency numbers given to me even answered their phone let alone helped. Next time I'm going straight to my GP, she always helps. If you're having pain, chat to your GP for help. Mine put me on painkillers and kept changing them till we found the right one. I guess your GP knows you better than the hospital system. They should be receiving updates from your specialist anyway, so maybe the GP can answer your questions too? Don't give up Peta, I know it can be really crappy, but we're in this with you Tracey??