Share review of Mr Paul Thiruchelvam

Mr Paul Thiruchelvam 2022-06-18 Person 5 5 0

I was seen by Mr Thiruchelvam to discuss the results of the biopsy taken after my mammogram identified a small suspicious area in my right breast. The radiologist had already been pretty certain that this was cancerous. Therefore I was not at all surprised to have this confirmed. Mr Thiruchelvam explained in detail the options available to treat me, I think in fact I had 6 options. One of the options was to remove the tumour and perform a mastopexy at the same time. He consulted his diary as had to cross reference his diary with that of Mr Leff who would operate on my left breast. A date was fixed. I had been offered the chance just to have the right breast operated and lifted at a month earlier, however preferred to wait a further 4 weeks to have both breasts lifted at the same time. My breasts had in fact caused me distress ever since my teens. I was limited in what I could wear as needed full support bras and swimwear and always had anxiety around having to put a bra on the moment I woke in the morning. To have had this opportunity for mastopexy and to treat my cancer at the same has been hugely beneficial to me. In fact it boosted me enormously. To have something positive to focus on whilst dealing with the worry of a cancer diagnosis was absolute marvellous. I honestly felt I had been given a huge gift and am extremely grateful such an opportunity was given to me. Happily my surgery went well and my cancer was removed, Grade 1 and no spread into the sentinel node. I have been so incredibly lucky that routine mammogram picked it up. Mr Thiruchelvam has given me a breast that I cannot believe belongs to me, it’s so good! My left breast was lifted too, not by Mr Leff in the end….Unfortunately I cannot remember name of the surgeon. Mr Thiruchelvam has a thoroughly professional approach together with showing care for his patients mental as well as physical well being. I felt very fortunate to have been referred to him. I also received compassionate care from Celia, Orla and Bernie….forgive me if I missed somebody out. I appreciated Orla coming to visit me for a chat before my surgery, it was thoughtful. I have rung the breast team a few times to answer questions and they always rang me back if they could not speak immediately. Thank you to the whole team involved in my care.