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Mr Paul Thiruchelvam 2019-04-06 Person 5 5 0

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.