"Well organised, caring team, life savers"

May 2024, I experienced a lump with slight discomfort in my upper left side. After not needing to see a GP for many years I was pleasantry surprised, I called the surgery on Wednesday and was booked in on Friday.

The GP gave full examination, had blood test done there and then and CT scan was completed on the Sunday. All results came back normal.

June I was still experiencing the same issue when bending down so went back to the GP, who requested an FIT stool test. I thought this was not required as I had my bowel cancer test in March 2024 and it was clear, however the GP advised to do.

I am so pleased I did, I got high readings, went for 2 colonoscopies one in June to remove one small polyp then again in July to remove a larger polyp in my rectum.

In August it was confirmed the polyp in my rectum was cancer and within one day I was booked for MRI Scan, CT scan, bloods test etc. I was informed Liver had a lesion so further MRI scan was completed with another coloscopy to revisit the scar areas and biopsy taken.

I was booked to see consultant in October to review all test results. Good new liver was ok, cancer had been removed however due to the type of cancer it was high risk for the cancer to return.

I was given two choices: surveillance with monthly tests until it returned, or major colorectal: LAR (ultra-low). I took the opportunity to remove the rectum so the cancer could not return, I could have my lymph nodes removed and checked as well to be tested to ensure no spreading.

I was on holiday the following month so they allowed me to have the holiday to really think of the risks and outcome as it was high risk I would be left with a stoma. I took the holiday returned and signed the consent the operation was planned for 2.5 weeks later.

The multiple discipline team recommended my operation was to be at Lincoln hospital with Mr Shukla with assisted robots.

The operation was so successful, Mr Shukla removed 17 CMs and reconnected me with no stoma. My recovery has been amazing with only 5 days in hospital to ensure no leaks and 8 weeks later I am leading a full normal life as nothing has happened.

In the UK £233.5 million is spent annually on stoma products alone, by investing £1.5 per Robot this cost can be reduced, more lives saved and other operation success.