4 December 2023
NHS urges local people to ‘know your risk’ in Diabetes Awareness Month
People in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have been urged to check their individual risk of type 2 diabetes, as Diabetes Awareness Month (November) draws…
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Jacqueline from Luton is a mum of two grown up children and has a grandchild, she wants to tell her story to encourage people who may have received an invitation for a lung health check, to take it up and don’t delay.
Jacqueline has a number of health conditions, including disc problems, COPD and fibromyalgia. She explained:
“I initially thought a phone conversation was a waste of time, and I’d had my COPD check previously. I think because I already had COPD and Fibromyalgia, I had always felt lethargic, but then my breathing was worse and I was more tired – I just thought it was my existing illness – plus the hot weather, so ignored it for a bit. Then I got a call from the lung team and I agreed to make an appointment.
“After a few questions about my lung health they decided I needed a CT scan. A few days after that I had a call to go to the respiratory clinic to say I had a carcinoma on my upper right lung.
“I had a full body CT – and needed a biopsy. I was told I had cancer, Adenocarcinoma – I went to see the consultant, who was from the Harefield Hospital, which specialises in lungs. We discussed my treatment options, including radiotherapy. I decided to on my treatment plan to have the top part of my upper right lung removed and my lymph nodes in my right armpit.
“Everyone was so lovely and things moved very quickly. I didn’t really have time to think about what was next. They booked me in at the Harefield hospital in October 2021.
“After 3 weeks in hospital I recovered really well – I have to have a chest x-ray every 3 months and the I’m going for a lung health CT scan with contrast dye soon and I will be monitored for the next 5 years.
“I am so lucky they called. Had they not chased me, I might not have bothered and I might not be sitting here talking right now.
“I would urge anyone who gets an invitation don’t ignore it – go along it’s a few hours of your life and could save it. The same for any screening programme. It’s free and everyone is very nice, so don’t be scared.”
Jaqueline is now on a regular monitoring schedule but feels like the future is bright now.
4 December 2023
NHS urges local people to ‘know your risk’ in Diabetes Awareness Month
People in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have been urged to check their individual risk of type 2 diabetes, as Diabetes Awareness Month (November) draws…
1 December 2023
Leighton Buzzard Public Update – December 2023
In our last update on work in Leighton Buzzard, we were pleased to confirm that a “focus group” style event would be held in the…
29 November 2023
New technology helping people to stay safely in their own homes
20 people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are being helped to live safely in their own homes, thanks to an innovative wireless device which remotely monitors a person’s vital…
29 November 2023
MiiCare helps local people to live independently for longer
MiiCare is an innovative wireless device that remotely monitors someone’s vital signs, hydration levels, sleep patterns and wellbeing to prevent falls, an infection or a hospital stay. Having these timely…
23 November 2023
“Don’t let COVID or flu spoil your holiday season,” NHS urges residents…
Eligible residents in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have been urged to beat the rush and come forward now for COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, ahead of an expected surge in…
21 November 2023
Celebrating exceptional nurses: Queen’s Nurse Awards honour local nurses
Two outstanding nurses in Luton have received the prestigious Queen’s Nurse (QN) title for their contributions to healthcare. The Queen’s Nurse title is a mark of their commitment to nursing…