Update

[lexin]

Yesterday I went to Llandudno for my annual check up with the oncology team. People may remember that I had a mastectomy in 2022 following a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Getting there is a minor irritation - it involves a taxi to the station (£7) a train to Llandudno (£5) and then another taxi to the hospital (£9). Then I repeat the performance to get back, doubling the cost. I have done this at various times for five years.

This time, I learn that had I ever asked, I could have scheduled the appointments in Bangor, where I live. A taxi to the hospital does cost £9 (it’s probably gone up) but I can get a bus back which costs me nothing because I have a disabled person’s bus pass covering me for buses in the whole of Wales, plus some trains which I have never got to grips with.

So next time, it will be in Bangor.

The oncologist said he couldn’t feel anything, but I will have to have the usual mammogram, and thankfully that will be in Bangor, too.

In other news

That stomach bug is still showing signs of hanging around. I feel a bit poorly and definitely cold, and I don’t think schlepping to Llandudno helped much.

Comments

[emrinalexander]

Now they tell you all the schlepping isn't necessary? That's good in one way and infuriating in another

[lexin]

I know. I was quite grumpy that they didn’t tell me this five years ago.

Mind you, I do seem to be doing a sort of Cook’s Tour of the NHS in North Wales. So far I have been to Bangor, Caernarfon, Deganwy, Holyhead, Llanfairfechan and Rhyl.

[catalenamara]

Glad you've found a much better way of seeing your doctors! Hope the stomach bug goes away quickly.

[lexin]

Thanks! I’m a bit nervous in case the stomach thing returns.