Specialist nursing support for people with Secondary Breast Cancer
Coping with a diagnosis of secondary breast cancer can be overwhelming, but support is available.
The team will advise who your Specialist Cancer Nurses are and provide you with their contact details. They are available Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.
How can we help you?
As specialist nurses, we will use our knowledge and experience to provide information to help you, and those close to you, to understand your diagnosis and treatment. We will also be able to give you details of helpful support services.
We work closely and liaise with other healthcare professionals such as your GP, and can arrange referrals to specialist healthcare services based on your needs.
Tell us your concerns
You may have many different needs and concerns.
We offer all patients the option of meeting us face to face, or we can offer telephone or virtual appointments if you would prefer.
Before your initial appointment with us, a brief questionnaire will be sent for you to complete. This will be about your current symptoms and concerns.
Please do not feel obliged to complete this form if you would rather not, however it can help guide us with the support that you may need going forward.
Finding information and support
Coping with a diagnosis of secondary breast cancer can be overwhelming, but support is available.
Breast Cancer Now
Breast Cancer Now has produced a ‘Secondary Breast Cancer’ information pack that contains information about treating the disease and coping with its effect, as well as signposting you to sources of support. You can ask for a copy by calling:
Breast Cancer Now
Helpline: 0808 800 6000
Both your call and copy of the ‘Secondary Breast Cancer’ pack will be free of charge.
Meeting others
It can be hard to find anyone who understands what it is like to be diagnosed with Secondary Breast Cancer.
A secondary breast cancer support group is held at the Maggie’s Centre in Cheltenham once a month. This provides you with the chance to meet others who understand what you are going through.
You can register to join the support group through Breast Cancer Care Now.
Breast Cancer Care Now
Tel: 0345 077 1893 or
Keeping in contact
You can telephone us contacting your Keyworker/Specialist Cancer Nurses and leave a voicemail if necessary.
While we are often busy, we will respond to your message as soon as we can, although this may not be the same working day. Please do not leave any urgent messages on the answerphone.
If you are feeling unwell and are receiving Oncology treatment, then please contact the Chemotherapy Helpline instead:
Chemotherapy Helpline
Tel: 0300 422 3444
Available 24 hours, 7 days a week
Useful contact information
Chemotherapy Helpline
Tel: 0300 422 3444
Chemotherapy Booking Appointments
Tel: 0300 422 3366
General Oncology Appointments
Tel: 0300 422 4027
Community Palliative Care Team
Tel: 0300 4225370
Gloucestershire Hospitals Switchboard
Tel: 0300 4222 222
When prompted ask for the appropriate person or department or the operator.
Cobolt Unit Cheltenham (scans)
Tel: 01242 535910
Website: www.cobalthealth.co.uk/
Further local information
Maggie’s Centre Cheltenham
The Lodge, College Baths Road, Cheltenham GL53 7QB
Tel: 01242 250 611
Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm
Email: Cheltenham@maggies.org
Cancer Information Centre Cheltenham (Focus)
Oncology Centre, Cheltenham General Hospital
Tel: 0300 4224414
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
Macmillan Cancer Support Information Hub
The Atrium, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Tel: 0300 422 8880
Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm
Email: ghn-tr.macmillanhub@nhs.net
Macmillan Next Steps Gloucester
2nd Floor, Southgate Moorings, 2 Kimbrose Way, Gloucester GL1 2DB
Tel: 0300 421 6586
Email: nextsteps@ghc.nhs.uk
Website: www.ghc.nhs.uk/our-teams-and-services/macmillan/
Charlies Cancer Support and Therapy Centre (Gloucester)
Unit 2, Venture Business Centre, Madleaze Road, Gloucester GL1 5SL
Tel: 01452 939000
Email: charlies2014@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.charlies.org.uk
Sue Ryder Hospice (Cheltenham)
This is available to all patients who are receiving, have received or are in the process of being referred to any of our care services.
Patient Helpline: 0300 303 1395
Great Oaks Dean Forest Hospice
The Gorse, Coleford, Gloucestershire GL16 8QE
Tel: 01594 811 910
Email: clerical@great-oaks.org.uk
Website: www.great-oaks.org.uk
Longfield Community Hospice (Stroud)
Burleigh Lane, Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire GL5 2PQ
Tel: 01453 886868
Email address: info@longfield.org.uk