Mr Paul Thiruchelvam

Written by a private patient at King Edward VII Hospital

I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer last November after a routine (my first) NHS mammogram. Even though it's so prevalent, I was completely stunned and didn't know what I could expect. The NHS moved quickly into action and shortly afterwards I met my surgeon Mr Thiruchelvam. He immediately gave me a feeling of confidence. Confidence that the tumour would be completely removed and that he would also be able to deliver the best aesthetic outcome for me. I switched to my private insurance to manage the dates and by early January I had surgery. Mr Thiruchelvam also connected me to a wonderful pain doctor, Dr Matt Brown, who managed the pain so expertly that I was able to return to work within a few days of my operation. Two weeks post op, I had a follow up meeting with Mr Thiruchelvam who gave me the good news that the operation had been a success and I was now 'cancer free'. Two months on, post intensive 5-day radio therapy, I am healing well and I am hopeful for the future. Looking back, although my diagnosis was a shock and there will need to be much careful screening going forward, I attribute my positive experience to the outstanding work of Mr Thiruchelvam and his amazingly supportive team of kind nurses, Helen and Amelia, and incredibly efficient secretary, Michelle.

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Written by a private patient at King Edward VII Hospital

From 1st consultation and all the way through my treatment plan Mr Thiruchelvam was engaging and easy to talk to and ask questions. He listened to my many questions, explained everything clearly in a caring yet professional way. I would not hesitate to recommend him to other people.

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Written by a private patient at King Edward VII Hospital

Paul was referred to me via the NHS consultant when I was diagnosed with DCIS/Radial Scar and needed a wide incision. Following our first consultation, Paul sent me off for a full body MRI scan which picked up the cancer cells and some benign cells. Following Paul's advice on what procedure and recommended specialists, I am now cancer free and the recovery process has been painless and quick. I will be forever grateful to Paul that we caught the disease early and throughout this journey, Paul's very calm manner has kept me calm too. Paul put me in touch with various consultants and they too have helped and made this journey easy.

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Written by a private patient at King Edward VII Hospital

Whenever any of us is ill or anxious about a diagnosis, what we most need is to be in the care of skilled, dedicated and compassionate health care professionals, to help us through a difficult and worrying time. What we want, in fact is ‘great care’ and this is what I have received from everyone at the King Edward VII Hospital, who has looked after me over the past few months, since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My consultant is Mr Paul Thiruchelvam and I count myself extremely lucky that happy chance led me to his breast clinic. The moment I met him, I felt an immediate rapport and I was confident I was in safe hands. Apart from his skill as a surgeon, he has warmth and empathy and puts his patients at ease. He explained everything very clearly and gave me confidence, at what was a difficult time. Mr Thiruchelvam is committed to his patients and I have always received exceptional care from him. Every single member of the Breast Care team that I have met on my visits to the unit, over the last couple of months, has made my journey so much easier by their relaxed, positive attitude, kindness, and compassion. No matter how busy the department may be, time is never an issue when it comes to making sure all questions are answered satisfactorily and reassurance and support given and this is particularly true of the Breast Care Nurses, Amelia Cook and Helen Froyd. Helen, who has been looking after me with great compassion and good humour, took the trouble of calling me several times during her weekend off, to sort out an issue I was having and contacted Mr Thiruchelvam who came in early on the Sunday morning to sort out the problem, before going into surgery to perform an eight-hour operation. Such dedication, I feel, is second to none and was much appreciated by me. In fact, I have nothing but praise for the King Edward VIIth Hospital and all who work there, from the staff in Reception, patients first contact with the hospital, those in administration and all the medical staff and I am very happy that I chose to be treated in such an outstanding hospital. With kind regards Ann C Twining

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Written by a NHS patient at Charing Cross Hospital

Mr Paul Thiruchelvam was the consultant and surgeon who removed a cancerous lump from my left breast. From the actual diagnosis to surgery, I only had to wait two and a half weeks. In this time, I saw Paul on four occasions - the last occasion being on the day of surgery itself. In the lead up to surgery, he carefully discussed where the cancer was and the options regarding how to remove the lump. In the end we discussed a 'flap'. I am only a small breasted woman (34b) and it seemed the most obvious choice to have the incision along the curve of the breast (ie where the breast meets the rest of the torso) - and then incising downwards to create a flap. That flap allows the lump to be removed and some fat from under the breast to be pulled up to retain the original shape of the breast. In the days after the operation, I was surprised by the lack of pain I felt and was extremely happy with the breast itself. It looked prefect. I met Paul again two weeks after surgery. Again, he was kind but practical in giving back the results - answering questions I had carefully and giving me clear next steps. At every stage of the process, I was treated with the utmost care and consideration. Orla, the senior nurse who was with Paul in each meeting, was also the most sensitive and caring practitioner. Together, they ensured I did not feel unduly scared or nervous. In fact, the whole process was incredibly reassuring. My journey has not yet ended as I am waiting for one more result before my treatment plan is decided but I thank both Paul and Orla very much for making what was a daunting experience much easier to deal with.

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