"Emergency surgery and subsequent chemotherapy"

I want to pass on my sincere thanks for the excellent care I have received from Treliske since June.

I retired to Cornwall in February and was expecting to visit New Zealand in July for the birth of my first Grandchild however events overtook me. I was seen by my GP for severe abdominal cramps and other symptoms I thought were psychological. I felt I had lost control having moved from a responsible job to being in lock down. The GP put me on a two week referral pathway. I was invited for a colonoscopy. That was not a good experience. The test did not go well and I felt staff then tended to avoid me as I was recovering although I knew the outcome was concerning. My husband was called in and the Dr was extremely grave as he gave us the news. We were both bitterly upset and the suggestion seemed to be we must prepare for the absolute worse now. 

It was a long two weeks waiting for an abdominal and chest scan and I had been home an hour from the scan when I was phoned, told a perforation had been detected and I must return immediately for emergency surgery. From that moment onwards everything changed and the care from everyone I have come into contact with has been excellent, from the nursing team concerned with my emergency admission via the surgical lounge on the Monday afternoon, to the anaesthetist’s pre op visit and of course the surgeon, Mr Lidder, to whom I will be eternally grateful for his skill, expertise and personal approach. I really felt I mattered to him. He told me what the options were, what he expected and he listened. He gave me confidence that he could help me, that there was hope.

At all times I was treated with compassion and understanding. I was fully involved in decisions about my care and what was happening to me. This was especially important when no visitors were allowed. I felt very vulnerable - I had lost my four front teeth (bridge had come out), had two inches of white hair growing through thanks to lockdown and had a new cancer diagnosis that was a complete shock; remember I had thought my problems were psychological in origin! 

The team on Eden Ward post op did an amazing job in caring for me in challenging circumstances being displaced from Pendennis Ward. There was an excellent team of nurses and health care assistants and the spirit of working together was so strong and the cleaner and the food person  very much part of that. They all created a positive, friendly and supportive atmosphere.

I was discharged 3 days post op as with Covid my Consultant felt home was the best place for me. I was contacted daily for well over a week by someone from the colorectal team to make sure I was managing; I found that very reassuring. The care and compassion shown to my husband over the phone also needs acknowledging. He was told to ring at any time – including during the night if he couldn’t sleep.  

I would like to mention the Colorectal Specialist Nurse, Clare and her team. It was odd not being able to meet face-to-face however the telephone contact, information and support she has provided has been exceptional. This has been an extremely worrying time and knowing that I can approach her for advice and help is so important. That has continued since I began my chemotherapy.

The oncologist, Dr Parnell has been outstanding. The advice I have had re minimising side effects has so helpful, I feel I am doing well. I have had some issues with my pre-existing Rheumatoid Arthritis that is now under control thanks to Dr Parnell and once again I really feel I have really been listened to, including with treatment choices, so that decisions arrived at are right for me. The nursing team on the Headland Unit are clearly dedicated to their work, having a PICC line inserted by the nursing team was a very positive experience and I am currently looking forward to my final cycle. There is good collaboration between the home care team caring weekly for my line and the Hospital.

So, all in all, the care I have received from the whole team at Treslike immediately before and since my surgery has been second to none and I commend them all. Thank you for all that you do to ensure that people like me are supported so well during highly challenging times.