"My bowel cancer experience"

I started feeling unwell on March 29th (Mother's Day). I went to my GP at the Dr's House Marlow.

After 2 visits and subsequent blood tests and CT scans at Wycombe Hospital followed by a colonoscopy I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. I was then referred to the Consultant surgeon at Wycombe and the surgery was carried out in early June. I am now at home recovering.

My general health has always been good and no cause for concern. In the last few weeks from the onset of symptoms to the admission for surgery, I have called upon the services of my GP, experienced various outpatient services at Wycombe General, required the services of 111 and was quickly referred to the Minor Injuries unit at Wycombe. During one visit to the X-ray department I collapsed and was taken care of in the CSU unit before being transferred to Stoke Mandeville by ambulance under the care of the paramedics.

At every stage both my husband and I have been very impressed with the quality of care and the speed of care that I have received.

As an inpatient, again the care from all the ward staff of 12A has been exceptional and given with care, compassion and the very necessary sense of humour. I have now been home for four days and every day getting stronger and looking forward to a full recovery. I cannot thank all involved enough. How lucky we are with our NHS.

I wrote this little poem for the staff of 12A:

My Hospital Journey

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Our lives have been confined within the walls of 12A Bay Number 4

But after today hopefully this will be no more

This group of Huang Women who have wiggled and willed themselves around the ward

The experience shared with the Ganzten Girlies, our every pain being scored.

These last four days have been the longest of my life

Full of pain and discomfort searing through me like a knife

The nurses and staff have been our rocks

Making sure we follow instructions according to the docs

Sit up, lie down, breathe in, breathe out

Don't cross those feet I hear the shout

No matter what colour of uniform they wear

They have guided us through this experience with safe and compassionate care

Our little group of patients all sitting in Bay 4

A close group we have been throughout even though we have never met before

So we will bid each other a fond farewell

All the best for the future and hope we each stay well

Our journey is nearly over and almost time time to depart

Never thought my life would depend on the importance of a fart.