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Mr Vanash Patel 2022-07-23 Person 5 5 0

In the middle of the horrible experience of coming to terms with my husband's cancer diagnosis, the first meeting with Vanesh was reassuringly positive. Not because there were any promises to immediately banish the cancer, but because the explanations of what was wrong were clearly given, and the treatment concisely described, with rough diagrams drawn to further iterate the plan of action. I'd gone into this meeting very concerned that my husband was going to the right hospital to get the best care. I had reservations and had been advised by friends that a different hospital nearby was a world centre of excellence. By the end of the meeting, I still wasn't sure about the hospital itself, but at least I felt confident that my husband would be in the hands of a good surgeon. As Vanesh proved to be. He did a great job. My husband was given a lot of written info, much of which he hasn't used. But some of the things we needed to know weren't covered. Also, we were given this written info at the meeting with Vanesh but kind of left hanging a bit initially, after my husband had been told at the colonoscopy stage that he had a big tumour that was likely malignant. Cue complete shock and horror. We managed to finally get to see the GP on the Friday before the Monday hospital appointment with Vanesh. This was two weeks after my husband had his colonoscopy. We asked the GP about process (and options for care because we didn't know if there were any. By which I mean patient choice in terms of care team and hospital). The GP was very nice but not able to help much. Then we asked about the MRI and found out that at least there hadn't been any other tumours discovered. But we wouldn't have been told at that point if we hadn't asked, and this was something that gave us some hope, which we really needed. We then erroneously told the GP that the hospital appointment was with the radiotherapist and asked about that. Of course it was with Vanesh, not with a radiotherapist, just in the radiotherapy department. Very confusing. We thought they were going to try to shrink the tumour before operating. Obviously you speculate when you don't have the information. So the main thing that he would have found useful (rather than the Macmillan stuff and offers of counselling, in his case, because clearly some people would feel differently), was some written down mapping of the probable route of the treatment from diagnosis, the likely tests on the way, and the people who would guide that process. From operation to recovery and then to chemotherapy (if chemotherapy indicated - and what would inform that? We didn't know and hadn't thought to ask) with a rough indication of average timescales and what personnel are seen at each test and milestone? In our heads we'd only taken in the info about the operation to remove the big tumour. There could also be better information for spouses/carers given at that first meeting. How to get in and out of the ward for example (I got stuck in the airlock for a few minutes after the first visit, not realising there was no push release to get through the outer door and no bell or intercom anywhere. Good job I wasn't claustrophobic, apparently it was previously the covid ward and the doors were modified, but what would happen in a fire?). Then post-op I'd given my mobile number for the hospital to tell me how my husband was doing. Unfortunately, I'd forgotten that long before, maybe when I first got the phone, I'd blocked number withheld numbers. It took me a while to work this out as I couldn't hear it ring even though the volume was on high. Then I stared at it until I could see another call coming through, and I still couldn't answer because the phone wouldn't let me. I imagine I might not be the only stupid person who has set their phone so it can't ring or be answered if it's a no number call. And then forgotten. So maybe a point worth mentioning when taking an emergency contact number. OK bottom line, thank you to Vanesh and his team, my husband recovered well from the operation and he liked all the people caring for him. Good result. Now I'm praying the rest will go as good.