"My bowel cancer experience"

My bowel cancer was picked up by the national bowel cancer screening programme in January (why do so many people not use the service ?). Nearly three months of tests, scans and consultations led to surgery just 7 days ago to remove the tumour. All the tests and scans, whilst somewhat unpleasant, were conducted in a most professional and caring manner. I panicked during the MRI scan and had to refuse it (not the hospital's fault) but they kindly re-booked me for a scan in the Open MRI scanner at the nearby Cobalt Clinic, which went well.

The operation was long, and went well (I was told). Six days of excellent post-operative care in Prescott ward meant that just a week later I'm back home and leading an almost normal life.

Whatever the future brings, I cannot think of any way the service could have been bettered (though the doctors' strikes did mean a lot of the appointments were delayed (but again not the hospital's fault). Without except the staff were kind, and made every effort to speed my recovery. And yes, I was very lucky as well !