My friend is having radiotherapy and has to attend daily for six weeks. He's not a person easily given to praise, but he is overwhelmed by the care the nurses give him.
I found the same when another friend had chemotherapy - it takes a very special kind of nurse to cope with the trauma of caring daily for patients of all ages with cancer.
I agree. I have found that the nurses in the cancer clinic to be nothing but fantastic, to both patient and their families. All concerns were addressed with compassion and a sympathy.
During my brief stays in hospital and spending time in hospital with Carakeel, I must say that I have nearly always found the nurses delightful. I don't think anybody would expect them all to be little angels but on the whole they are great.
I admire and respect both the nurses in cancer units, and in palliative care - having worked in that environment, and seen nurses come and go, I can say that it takes a special sort of nurse to work in those roles.
I too had 7 weeks of radiotherapy at St.Lukes Cancer Centre in Guildford earlier this year. The staff were absolutely wonderful, as were some of the other patients I met. We were like a happy family while there and hugs and kisses all round when we had all finished our treatment. A truly worrying time made all the easier by the staff and patients.
FBG40