"Good Outcome for Colorectal Cancer Services"

I would like to express my gratitude to the Colorectal Cancer Service at the Heartlands Hospital.

I was diagnosed with Rectum Cancer in December 2017.

During a consultation at the Heartlands Hospital over the Christmas period with my Consultant Surgeon and a Colorectal Nurse the treatment process and time line was explained.

I was to receive treatment at the University Hospital Birmingham overseen and reviewed by the Medical Team at the Heartlands Hospital.

I was informed I would have 5 weeks of Chemotherapy in conjunction with 5 weeks of Radiotherapy at the University Hospital Birmingham, there was then to be a 10 week recovery period during which time I would receive a CT scan at Solihull Hospital, this was all overseen by a Multi Discipline Medical Team who reviewed my progress and planned the treatment which would culminate in Surgery at the Heartlands Hospital.

Any follow up treatment required would then be confirmed following the Histology results once the Tumour was removed.

It all seemed very daunting at the time but events unfolded as explained.

I was kept informed throughout and everyone involved in my treatment gave me confidence that I would beat this Cancer.

I would like to thank the Radiotherapy team in room 5 at the University Hospital Birmingham, I was told there work in shrinking the Tumour was brilliant.

I would like to give special thanks to the Surgical Team at the Heartlands Hospital.

I had full confidence in my Surgeon, he was always honest and reassuring during our meetings.

Following surgery I had numerous visits from them to check all was fine.

The Colostomy Nurses at the Heartlands were great as they offered specialist advice on life with a colostomy bag, it's reassuring they are always there as and when required.

Also a big thanks to all the staff on Ward 12 at the Heartlands Hospital as I spent a week with them following Surgery, their hard work and dedication was appreciated.

On the 6th July 2018 I was informed by my Consultant Surgeon that the Histology results do not show any residual Cancer which is very good news for me.

Recovery from the operation is well underway and I will be monitored for the next few years but I feel a deep debt of gratitude to all the Medical Staff associated with my successful treatment.

My heart goes out to all the people I met along my journey, each with there own Cancer battle and I hope like me they receive good news.

Finally a very special thanks to my wife and family who have kept me in good spirit and positive throughout.

So keep up the great work.

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