Share review of Mr Paul Thiruchelvam

Mr Paul Thiruchelvam 2019-03-13 Person 5 5 0

I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in July 2018 at the age of 29. On top of that I have discovered that I am a BRCA1 mutation carrier. Needless to mention my world fall apart. The news has been delivered by dr. Paul at Charing Cross Hospital and looking back on it now I was very fortunate I came across him. He explained the diagnosis to me and my husband in a very professional and compassionate manner patiently answering all the questions we had. He then briefed us on the treatment plan and the next steps. We immediately felt well looked after and safe. Before we left his office on that day he reassured us that himself and the team will do everything they can to help me. I can now confirm that he has delivered his promise and I am extremely grateful. After that and before surgery I have seen him on a couple of occasions throughout my chemotherapy. Each time he was very helpful and professional asking me how I was feeling. I know he really cared and not just being polite. When it comes to surgery itself, dr. Paul provided me with a couple of potential options to choose from thoroughly explaining pros and cons of each procedure. In the end after a couple of appointments and research I have opted for bilateral mastectomy (of the cancer side and risk reduction of the healthy side) with immediate implant based reconstruction. It is important to mention that I have also chose placing implants in front of the muscle. My chemotherapy had to be finished earlier than anticipated and there was a risk that the initially planned date of surgery might be too late. Dr. Paul managed to bring the date forward by a week, which was a great relief for me. I have seen him on the day of my operation and again he reassured me than everything will be fine and he will do his absolute best. Operation went according to the plan. Straight after the operation my husband saw dr. Paul and he has updated him on everything and again gave him peace of mind as he was obviously very anxious waiting for me when I was in theater. Dr. Paul visited me on the ward twice on the day of operation ensuring I am well looked after. He has went an extra mile and came to check on me late in the evening and I am pretty sure it was well after his working hours. I have also seen him the next day before I left the hospital. I then had follow up appointments with him during first weeks of recovery. Finally, he himself removed my drains and then stitches. Just to reiterate, I am extremely grateful that I was under dr. Paul's care and again wanted to thank him for being such an amazing doctor and human. Ewelina