"Diagnosis and treatment for cancer"

Anything else?

I visited my GP with concerns due to passing blood and irregular movements and was referred to North Tees for camera to check bowel and other test and scans within a very short time scale. In short I was diagnosed as having cancer of the colon and was informed in a very sympathetic and gentle manner. The options and projected time scale were explained to me and after due consideration and advice decided on having an operation to remove the beast. From the initial visit to the GP to being operated on was just over 2 months which is excellent given the number of tests and prior treatment. I could not imagine a better stay in hospital given the circumstances. The staff on the ward at all levels including the domestic staff were professional, respectful and after getting to know each other a little shared some good humor. Post op I have to wear a colostomy bag and had a series of small problems due to the changing nature of the stoma caused in part by a large hernia. The treatment received from the stoma nurses was beyond superb. A typical response to a phoned in problem would be 'Come on in, we'll sort you out'. And they did. I could complain about a couple of minor things but in the wider scheme of things it would be churlish to do so given all of the positives. Special mention to the stoma team. Always a pleasant welcome at reception and always excellent help and advice from the nursing team. I am back in soon for a reversal operation and whilst I am not exactly looking forward to it I go in with confidence and trust. North Tees Hospital, be proud, given my experience you should be.