Share review of Mr Paul Thiruchelvam

Mr Paul Thiruchelvam 2022-07-04 Person 5 5 0

DR. OF THE DECADE  Kind, compassionate, caring, and meticulous are just a few words that come to mind when I think of Dr Paul Thiruchelvam.  During what I can only describe as one of the scariest times in any person's life, being diagnosed with the BIG C! Especially at a young age, has had its challenges. It’s been over a 7-month journey within the NHS, with a diagnosis that kept changing. However, Paul was able to provide calm amongst the chaos and continues to be a beacon of light during stormy seas, leaving me feeling confident in his care. Paul has been very proactive in his approach to my treatment and has gone above and beyond. Also, respecting MY CHOICES in terms of alternative therapies. I can’t help but feel truly grateful and blessed to have been placed over into his capable and dedicated hands and I genuinely believe the NHS and Charing Cross specifically, would be better off with more people like Paul. In terms of surgical procedures, the diagnosis went from a lumpectomy outcome to receiving a right Mastectomy and immediate reconstruction, along with a sentinel node biopsy. This was due to the calcification and breast tissue changing.  I was discharged the following day with a drain along with antibiotics and was in no pain. Minimal scarring under the right breast and axilla, despite significant time in surgery and skilled scraping. Paul and his surgical team were phenomenal. Unfortunately, the results of the sentinel node biopsy returned with disappointing news. One of the three lymph nodes had cancerous cells, and a follow-up surgery was scheduled a month later to do a full axillary clearance. I was also eligible to receive a profound and wonderful new surgical procedure to reduce risks related to Lymphoedema.  To my understanding, Lymphatic reconstruction involves highly technical procedures whereby microsurgery allows for better drainage within the lymphatic system by closing the removed lymph nodes into the veins. Known as S-LYMPHA (Simplified) Lymphatic Microsurgical Preventing Healing Approach. Dr Thiruchelvam was accompanied by a diligent team of surgeons.  The final Histopathology report showed no further disease in the lymphatic system. Although LYMPHA and S-LYMPHA is a relatively new procedures, with ongoing studies, I certainly feel it’s added value to my life, albeit there are some hiccups post-surgery in terms of a seroma and irritation around the axilla. Paul has continued to provide the best possible care and monitors my progress. My mobility and sensation have improved within the right arm post-surgery. Aesthetically, the scar is broader under the axilla due to the second procedure. I’m still adjusting to my new breast/body and the blue and green dye injected into my right arm to identify ARM lymphatics. This will fade over 6 months to a year. I feel the medical industry and treatments therein are constantly evolving, and this new technique will undoubtedly benefit future patients and the medical sector holistically. Currently over three months post Mastectomy and one-month post-S-LYMPHA. I’m excited about the prospects and look forward to seeing what the future holds and would highly recommend Dr Paul Thiruchelvam to any and everyone.