"Thank you from the bottom of my heart"

My journey started back in mid October 2024 with a visit to my GP and being given a poo sample test told to get an appointment to have bloods taken. Following this I had  an appointment where I was informed that there was blood in my poo and he was referring me for a Colonoscopy. 

In late October I received a phone call from the Day Intervention Unit who informed that they had a cancellation for the next day. I agreed to the date and went to the Victoria to collect the pack. Had the colonoscopy the next day. Following this and after speaking to the consultant (Mr Cruikshanks) Michelle and Helen informed me that I had 2 polyps one of which looked cancerous. They said that he had agreed that they could attempt to remove the polyps at a further appointment, which was arranged for early November. Also I was being referred to have CT Scan.

On the day of me next appointment went into Day Intervention Unit to have a Sigmoidoscopy to get polyps removed and this was carried out by Mike. It transpired that one could be removed but the other couldn't so sample taken of the latter. Polyp and sample sent to the Path Lab for analysis.

Then I had the CT Scan 5 days later.

Received a phone call a week after my CT scan, late November, from Wendy who told me that the CT Scan was clear and the cancer had to spread to other parts. Also the polyp which had been removed was non malignant but the sample showed signs of cancerous cells and tissue would have to be removed by surgery.

Towards the end of November, a few days after my phone call, I had an appointment with Mr Manimaran who would be carrying out the surgery. He explained what would happen and how it would be carried out. Also examined me and said that he hoped to carry out the operation by keyhole surgery. He did explain that this was major surgery. After this we met with Kendal and Wendy from Colorectal Nursing Services who explain in more detail what the surgery would involve and also my after care treatment. They were to be my main contacts from now until after surgery.

Then early December I went into the Victoria for my pre assessment appointment for the operation. During this my height, weight, blood pressure and bloods were taken. After this I met up with Jayne who took me through the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery programme. 

A week later early morning, I went into the Day Intervention Unit to get ready for my surgery. Whilst waiting I had blood pressure checked and bloods taken. also numerous nurses and doctors came to se me. These included Mr Manimaran who explained clearly what was to be carried; Ian the Consultant Anaesthetist and his Register; Wendy (Stoma Nurse) and Jayne. The last two explained that they had to mark my stomach just in case I needed a Stoma fitted either permanent or temporary. As it turned out I didn't need one. Before the operation there was a bit of a delay because they found I had a curve on my spine at the bottom and they couldn't locate the place to give a spinal pain killer injection. During this time the Consultant cracked pretty poor jokes to keep my mind off things. eventually this was resolved and I went into theatre.

Following the operation I was taken to the High Dependency Unit where I was looked after by Linzi, Nicole and Max plus others. I had to spend a second night in HDU because there wasn't a bed available in the ward. I had no problem with this as the care was excellent.

I was transferred up to Ward 44 late December and was well looked after by Vicki and others.  The Consultant came round and after checking me said that I could be discharged subject to me either passing wind or having a motion and also that my bloods were alright. Told him that I had passed wind that morning and bloods were taken. Later Vicki told me that my bloods were alright and that I could go home once she has got me my medication.

In early January 2025 I receive the good news phone call from Wendy. The path results were back and the samples were all clear so no further treatment required. I have to have 6 monthly check ups for next 2 years and a yearly in the 3rd year.

I have had telephone calls from Jayne through December for check up. Also on early January.

I have mentioned several people but there are many others who were part of my journey. In the main I have forgotten names and so would ask colleagues mentioned above to pass on my thanks to everyone concerned on behalf of me and my family. Without the care and attention of all of you I would not be looking forward to 2025 and beyond. 

I would thank you all from the bottom of my heart for giving me this chance.  

I look forward to seeing some of you to thank you personally when I come back to wee Mr Manimaran.