"The treatment of Cancer patients"

Anything else?

After contracting Neck Cancer whilst living in Bristol in 2006 and having undergone 3 operations, the latter being a full neck dissection, I was left feeling frightened and uninformed about the disease (I always believed that 'You get Cancer then you die!') and was told only that I was to be monitored to see how things progressed. Having moved back to the North West in 2008 I was devastated to find that the Cancer had returned. I was referred to the Royal Preston hospital and was examined by the doctor who told me that if cancer was to return it usually happened within 2 years, as mine had exactly within that period. Now I was to undergo another Neck Dissection followed by Chemotherapy and Radiology, as you can imagine I was frightened and very apprehensive about the outcome. He sat by my bed and said that he was going to do his very best to get rid of this Cancer for me. As I was very reluctant to undergo another traumatic neck dissection, he gave me the confidence to proceed, when my brain was telling me that I could not stand to go through it all again. The operation took place in August 2008 by the doctor who explained fully the procedure and the (if any) side effects that could occur due to the treatment involved. I now knew what it was all about. After the operation they informed me that it was a success and that he was confident that he had found the Primary source of the Cancer and that the Chemotherapy and Radiology would be a benefit to me. I had 6 weeks of radiotherapy at the Rosemere suite at RPH plus my chemo at the Oncology Dept. and found all the Staff to be very professional in their duties and above all, very understanding and caring. I have since been monitored on a regular basis for 5 years, visiting the ENT Dept. to have Endoscopies etc. Today, 16 December 2013 I was discharged. I can honestly say that the treatment I received at the Royal Preston Hospital although traumatic and painful for me at times, was second to none, from the surgical staff, the Chemotherapy nurses, the staff at the Rosemere centre and the ENT dept. All have left me with a great sense of admiration and gratitude for all concerned with my treatment. These Caring, dedicated people have given me a second chance at life. (Which I will pursue wholeheartedly). I think that the NHS should be proud of the dedication of the hard working staff at this hospital. My sincere thanks especially to the doctor who gave me this second chance. Doug McKinnell