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Mr Paul Thiruchelvam 2017-07-11 Person 5 5 0

A couple of weeks after my routine mammogram I received a letter to say that the results needed checking out: a quick scan and biopsy, then followed by results and consultation about what would happen and the options for surgery. All these appointments were on time and conducted in a friendly and calm professional manner, which helped reduce the initial scariness. Mr Paul Thirulchelvam recommended that I had wide local excision and sentinel node biopsy, and a wise pattern mammoplasty, with a symmetrisation surgery at the same time. Although this increases the risks and makes for a more complex operation, I preferred the idea of getting this done 'in one go'. A date was fixed straight away for the operation [so I knew that and didn't have to wait for one which is very helpful in forward planning] and I was marked up for the surgery by Paul, who also took photos for the record and preparation. His positive and straightforward approach made this decidedly comfortable and made me understand better what would happen and decision making seem easy, removing any worries. He outlined the risks and what he proposed to do. Since this was to remove the cancer by taking a wide margin, it would entail re-sizing both breasts in the same operation. He booked Mr Leff at the same time. The day of the operation was a bit nerve-racking, since there was a courier failure to deliver the hospital radioactive isotopes and a long wait for them [the dye is needed during the operation to pick up the cancer/nodes?], and hence delay in operating - but this has nothing to do with the excellence of the surgeons! Despite this, I was massively cheered by the arrival of PT in nuclear medicine, deciding to save time by pre-operation marking which kept me distracted and also reassured me the op was not going to be postponed! No bandages, liquid skin and self absorbing stitches, and a longish time for healing which is still underway. No real pain either - what I had/have is mild and tolerable. I was visited late that operating day 10 pm or so, and again the next morning when the drain was removed. Both reassuring and cheering. Since the operation I have had a further consultation and will now 'move on' to the oncology stage, an appointment is expected soon. Throughout so far it has been a very positive experience, healing seems to be going well, and I have always felt confidence in what needed to be done and who was doing it . I could have done better myself on finding out about post surgery bras, how to judge sizes etc but have actually managed very well with friends and common sense. I found many of the downloadable booklets useful but some rather long and not terribly good reading - and what about exercises? I still have a lot to find out on the next stage.