"On-going Kidney Cancer Care"

I was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer in 2007.

I was admitted to Blanchardstown Hospital where, for a week, I was treated for kidney stones, even though I was 41 at the time ( bit old for stones ).

On the Friday I had a ultrasound scan and it confirmed, cancer.

On the next Tuesday I was admitted to Beaumont Hospital and on the Wednesday, I had my left kidney removed.

I clearly remember being in Blanchardstown hospital. I slept very well during the night despite my grave situation.

However, in Beaumount, they crashed and banged doors when taking blood pressure, they would switch on the full ward lights and talk at full voice even at 2 or 3 in the morning.

I remember feeling very ill and sick from the lack of sleep at Beaumount.

The nursing staff there were a in different league to those in Blanchardstown who would creep around and you would wake up with the blood pressure band on your arm with a nurse whispering, "shush, I will be finished in a moment. Go back to sleep".

I was a VHI patient at the time and got fast effective treatment.

I have, since then attended many CT scans, and consultants.

My main consultant changed from private care to public care and I went with her.

She said to me, just before she left her position, " The consultant visit is just a courtesy visit. If we found anything wrong at the xray or scans, we would have called you in before this". WHAT THE HELL.. I would have the scan and x-ray and then be worried sick wondering if they found anything. A phone call from the NURSE or secretary to the consultant as soon as the results were in to say, "YOUR FINE, see you in 6months" would have saved me Stress, a long journey, and the hospital the obvious expense.

But, having said all that.. I got good treatment.. OH.. One thing.. when I was just about to be put to sleep in theatre, the man who put your under said to me.. "What do you work at" strange question - but I told him.. He said.. "Are you good at your job"... I replied.. yes.. very.. He replied. " So Am I .. I am one of the best..and I will take good care of you.. VERY REASSURING.. His name Michael. thats all I got..