Mr Paul Thiruchelvam

Written by a patient at Charing Cross Hospital

I was referred to the Breast Clinic at Charing Cross Hospital by my GP in Mid March, having noticed a slight change to the contour of my right breast. I was seen by Paul Thiruchelvam, who conducted the initial review and followed up with the usual tests - mammograms, ultrasound scans and an inevitable biopsy. Paul came across as hugely professional and knowledgeable, and the fact that he did not "sugar coat" the likely diagnosis, strangely comforted me and made me feel that he was someone who would treat me with respect and honesty. A week or so later, I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer and although the tests had not shown anything suspicious elsewhere, I was advised to have an MRI scan. The MRI showed no cancer elsewhere in either breast, so having explained all the different options, he recommended a lumpectomy in the right breast (to remove the cancer and surrounding tissue) and surgery to the left breast to ensure that they were not of a different size - something that I had never considered, but which is critical to a successful outcome. He was very thorough and explained everything in a clear but detailed fashion; I felt totally at ease with the planned surgery and knew exactly what to expect. My surgery took place on April 1st - I kid you not!! Paul was there for all of the pre-op preparation and again on the ward later that day to offer reassurance and explain how things had gone. His approach is wholly refreshing and has made me realise that despite reports to the contrary, surgeons can show empathy and true concern for the well being of their patients. I have radiotherapy and hormone treatment to follow, but count myself as very lucky to have been assigned to Paul. And of course, I have been blessed with the best outcome possible under the circumstances. I am very pleased with my new breasts - they are smaller but more perky - and make great "sisters". I would highly recommend Paul and all of his team, to anyone who finds themselves in a similar predicament.

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Written by a carer at Charing Cross Hospital

This man is beyond exceptional. His attention to detail, extensive knowledge of everything about #breastcancer including the most up to date options etc is beyond reassuring. His total energy and obvious care about all his patients is quite simply beyond superlative. He inspires total confidence. The job he does is way way above the call of duty. He somehow manages to make what is a bad experience into a good one. Despite working under very difficult conditions with pretty scarce resources, this man gives his all, My hope and prayer is that our British NHS is sane enough to work hard to retain him.

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Written by a patient at Charing Cross Hospital

I was diagnosed with breast cancer during a routine mammogram screening. It came as a great shock because I did not have any of the classic symptoms you are told to look out for. I was quickly referred to Mr Thiruchelvam where he explained the process to me. He told me what grade the cancer was and the likely outcome which was he would be treating the cancer "to cure" which was a great relief as I had instantly thought I am going to die (this was my second cancer diagnosis). Mr Thiruchelvam showed empathy when I began to cry but was also very positive in terms of explaining what would have to happen in order to rid me of this disease. He introduced to me to a lovely Macmillan nurse called Orla who was very supportive throughout my treatment. Everything that was going to happen to me was explained in detail, including hand drawn diagrams of the procedure I was going to have to undergo. I was given leaflets and contact details of Orla should I have any questions that I had not remembered to ask during my consultation meetings. I was also given the choice of what procedure I would like to have. I was allowed to go away and read up about the different procedures and decide when I returned for my next appointment what one I felt was best for me. I met with Mr Thiruchelvam the morning of my operation. I was going to have therapeutic mammoplasty to the affected breast and a reduction mammoplasty to the other breast. He explain the risks before hand that there was a possibility that I could lose my nipples but this was a small price to pay in order for me to get well again. I stayed in hospital overnight and went home the next day with a supply of painkillers. Even though I was sore and bruised my breasts looked great, nipples and all, and I remember thinking I was really lucky to have Mr Thiruchelvam do my operation. I had an appointment with Mr Thiruchelvam two weeks later where he informed me that he had managed to remove the cancer and my lymph nodes had not shown any signs that the cancer had spread which was such a relief. This was a very traumatic time for me but because to the treatment and support I recieved from Mr Thiruchelvam and his team I have come through it and have returned to work cancer free.

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Written by a patient at Charing Cross Hospital

I felt very comfortable with this doctor and he made me feel very confident with my care and diagnosis. He spent a lot of time explaining all the details of my treatment and assured me that I am responding well to treatment.

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Written by a patient at Charing Cross Hospital

I want to add that I trusted completly Mr. Thiruchelvam. He has been, along my husband, a rock during all my appointments, reviews, surgery, and follow-up. His understanding, patience were highly appreciated. He did not hesitate to see me when it was urgent or when I felt very down during all my treatment. I higly recommend him to any person who would be looking for a very efficient and reliable surgeon. Theoctie Elkhoury

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