"They made a very daunting time much better"

I was scoped by Mr Eltayeb in Whiteabbey in Dec 24 for issues when eating.  Him and his team were very reassuring when speaking to me before, during and after the procedure. 

Dr McKenna, consultant in gastroenterology ensured my case was swiftly discussed with Belfast trust when my oesophageal cancer was confirmed.  She was very empathetic, open and honest in her communication with me which I will forever be grateful for as my mind wondered to worse case scenario without the facts. She met me in person with my family to discuss results from Belfast multidisciplinary meeting and I was seen just 4 days later by Belfast surgical team. 

End of Dec I attended the surgical clinic which was a long morning but so well organised with lots of information from dietetics, pre assessment nurse,  anaesthetics, physio and surgical consultant.  Unfortunately I can't recall all names but the anaesthetic Dr who I think was Martin was really pleasant to speak to and reassured me re both impending diagnostic lap and potential oesophagectomy. As I work within surgical dept in another trust I had lots of questions which he patiently answered.

Sally and Stephanie from the physio department were very encouraging while I was completing my fitness check to see if I was fit for theatre. 

Mr Gray was amazing in reassuring me,  explaining the reason for diagnostic lap and went through oesophagectomy surgery.  He answered my numerous questions patiently and in detail that I needed.  

I was referred for preop chemo and was extremely well looked after by all the staff in Bridgewater suite. A fabulous bunch of staff,  always smiling and helpful.  Dr  Lavery and Dr Turkington and their team have treated me so well. I was well informed re treatment and side effects.  I was given time to air concerns and felt listened to and valued throughout. 

My pet scan showed an abnormality and I was assessed locally in Antrim Hospital breast unit by Mr McFall. After biopsies by Dr Gracey, where I was treated with great compassion and care (I can't remember the name of the lovely woman who assisted him) i was diagnosed with a second primary cancer in breast. Mr McFall has been fantastic at keeping me up to date and has ensured excellent communication between Antrim and Belfast oncology and surgical team. 

I was delighted to hear Mr Gray was happy to work with the breast team in Bch to ensure both oesophageal and breast tumours were removed during one operation. Mr Mallon met me in Bch and was very reassuring. My operation went well and I am grateful to both consultants and their teams. 

I was so apprehensive about my ICU stay but those fears were unfounded. I was able assisted by a fantastic nursing and medical team. Dr Gardiner gave me swift pain relief for shoulder pain which was much needed and meant I could concentrate on recovering. Some nurses I remember well for their outstanding care and communication was Smitha, Steven and Rebecca. Special mention has to go to Brendan the physio in ICU for humouring me when I insisted on trying to walk day 1 when I wasn't fit due to low BP. He frequently visited to ensure I had good chest physio and helped me mobilise from day 3.

When I moved to 2 north the care I received was second to none.  Lisa was so friendly and her clinical skills & knowledge shine through.  Lyndsey also has excellent knowledge and prioritises patient care. I will never forget her to helping me have my first shower post op. She was finishing a run of nights and was going to stay late if needed to help me if needed. 

The whole was excellent but I was cared for frequently by Amy, Shainy, David, Ashleen, Libin and Emmeline who all treated me with the utmost respect and care so thank you.  

The medical team who looked after me can't go without mention. David assisted in my surgery and answered my many questions on ward round ably and both reassured and settled my fears.  Rebecca also treated me well and assisted in my very complex discharge as needed iv antibiotics in another trust. I know this took a considerable time in a Friday afternoon and am very grateful she perserved to get me home.  

Thank you to ahp team namely Grace the physio for putting me through my paces due to post op pneumonia and to dieticians who guided me with jej feeding and checked in regularly both as inpatient and when discharged.

Throughout my journey the CNS's Maureen, Louise and Karen have used a holistic approach to ensure I was well informed,  and that both physical and psychological needs were met.  They are like the glue that holds it all together. 

I have had fantastic care from both district nursing and hospital diversion. Both teams are an asset to the NHSCT and through their care and skills looked after me so well at home ensuring I received treatment and didn't needed readmitted to hospital.

I have completed my post op chemo today. The cancer centre staff that have delivered it are all extremely skilled, warm and welcoming.

They made a very daunting time much better. 

It's a very long care opinion but hope it reflects my gratitude to each and every one of you that contributed to my journey to recovery. The NHS gets such bad press but I have witnessed how amazing it can be whilst it is easy to see that the staff all go the extra mile for their patients. 

Thank you again to each and every one of you.