Mr Paul Thiruchelvam

Written by a patient at Charing Cross Hospital

Mr T strikes just the right balance -thoroughly clear, professional, but not impersonal and no condescension. Actually hears you, not a practitioner of the pretence of listening. He instils confidence in the patient. Notes always have been reviewed before you see him ( not always the case elsewhere) , clear summary of next steps before you leave. My 2006 surgery breast surgery at Ch X was chaotic. This time, the unit purred like a RR engine. His surgery team and after care were equally smooth, professional and gave me full confidence. There were no surprises or disappointments.

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Written by a patient at The Harley Street Clinic

I was diagnosed with high grade DCIS just as we entered lockdown for Covid and NHS treatment was going to be delayed. This immediately put me into panic mode knowing that I would have to wait several months instead of weeks for surgery. Not wanting to have the added stress of waiting that long I decided to go private for the next stage of my care. The whole transfer from the NHS was seamless and the treatment I received from Mr Thiruchelvam in thoroughly investigating all areas of concern was exceptional during this difficult time. I found him to be extremely approachable and empathic. He patiently went to great lengths to explain the details and considerations associated with my condition. Mr Thiruchelvam provided complete continuity of my treatment performing my Lumpectomy and Lymph Node procedure with professionalism and attention to detail. Any aftercare queries or concerns were immediately followed up. I would highly recommend Mr Thiruchelvam and his team to anyone who requires breast cancer care and I feel so grateful to have been through this cancer journey in such safe hands.

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Written by a patient at Charing Cross Hospital

I was diagnosed with hormonal breast cancer in May 2020 requiring a lumpectomy and removal of 4 lymph nodes. Due to the fact I have large breasts which were causing me health problems, I was asked if I have been considering a breast reduction now or in the future, as I would be able to have this procedure under the NHS at the same time as my cancer surgery. I was advised that the reduction would not be possible after radiotherapy. I found Mr Thiruchelvam to be extremely thorough in explaining what the operation would entail and also what the possible risks could be, the main one being necrosis of the nipple (as my nipple had to be repositioned some distance from where it was and could die during the operation as there was a chance that the blood supply might not reconnect in the new position). Mr Thiruchelvam was very reassuring to me throughout, and kept reiterating that he would do his absolute best to try and make sure this did not happen. I felt I was in very safe hands. Mr Thiruchelvam was also very clear throughout that due to Covid19, he would only be able to operate on the cancerous breast at this time, with the other breast not being operated on for another year to 18 months. This is because it was not advisable to operate on a healthy breast at this time. He told me that I would be very lopsided until then, and this was another thing to take into consideration before I made the decision whether or not to go ahead with the reduction. Another consideration he explained was that should I opt for the mammoplasty as well, he would be able to remove a much wider margin of tissue around the tumour. I decided to go ahead with the mammoplasty and I am absolutely ecstatic with the results. The margins in my breast are clear. My nipple survived and the size and shape of my (as I call it) 'new' breast are exactly as I wished for. I could not have had a better result and I have Mr Thiruchelvam to thank for that.

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Written by a patient at Charing Cross Hospital

Paul and his team provided truly outstanding care and went above and beyond at a time when the Covid19 pandemic and lockdown weighed down on everyone. He provided hope at the start of my consultation and 100% removal of cancer cells in surgery without causing any disfigurement. Paul is a tremendous ambassador for his profession and the NHS. I would recommend him without reservation. I feel exceptionally lucky to have been under his care.

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Written by a patient at Charing Cross Hospital

I was devastated to be diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2020. I went for a routine mammogram, and was shocked when I was called back as I hadn't noticed any abnormalities & there was no history of breast cancer in my family. I was petrified & scared. I was terrified I was going to die & leave my 13 year little girl. I was passed to Orla O'Neill a cancer nurse at Charing cross who was absolutely lovely, kind and highly experienced. One thing she said which always stuck with me is that my fear will come in waves, which it did. She explained I will now go on a journey and to take each step at a time, which I did, as hard as that was. My cancer was ER 8/8 and HER2 negative, grade 2 in my left breast. I was reassured it was a small lump 23mm and I took comfort in it being caught early. My allocated surgeon was Paul Thiruchelvam who immediately gave me confidence in his direct clear and professional approach. I felt I could trust him. My surgery was planned for 16th March 2020 and then cancelled due to other abnormalities after an MRI, which have since all been investigated and come back clear. Then of course Covid-19 hit and my future surgery was put on hold for 3 months and I was prescribed anti cancer meds Letrozole. This was certainly a journey!! Luckily a had a call mid April to say Paul was happy to continue with my Lumpectomy, however my symmetrising surgery to my right breast would now be on hold due to Covid-19. I had a mammoplasty to my left breast on 29th April. Again I met with Paul prior to the surgery, although I was obviously scared, I had complete confidence in him and his team. I knew I was in safe hands. It was day surgery, so I was home on the same evening. I was surprised that I had no real pain at all, I was just tender. My surgery was brilliant and my left breast looked really good. I will have some scaring, but that will fade and become a part of who I am now. Im looking forward to a time soon that I can have my right breast lifted to match the left. I went back for my results on 14th May and was given the best news ever!!!! My cancer had been completely removed, (it was actually smaller than 1st thought) There were very clear margins and no cancer had spread to my lymph nodes. I will now just need a little 5 day course of radiotherapy and should be good to go. I am truly grateful to Paul for his wonderful work and could not recommend him highly enough to anyone going through this. Thank you. K.Westbrook

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