"Fantastic Care Across a Range of Disciplines"

After a series of scans in November/December 2016 ordered by the consultant surgeon in the Soft Tissue Department, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma which had metastasised into a number of areas of my body.

I was referred to a consultant oncologist who was very positive about potential treatments and gave me a very comprehensive brief on my options.

During a routine appointment on 20

January with my Dermatologist and after discussions with the Matron who works with them, I decided that I would like to commence immunotherapy, a treatment that the oncologist had discussed with me, at the earliest opportunity.

The matron E-mailed the oncologist on the spot, and, during my consultation with dermatologist, I asked if it would be possible to remove a tumour from under my left arm which was associated with my Melanoma.

They said they would contact the surgeon with my request.

By the time I got home on Friday 20 January I received call from the matron telling me I had an appointment with the surgeon on Tuesday 24th to review the removal of my lump.

I saw the oncologist on Monday 23 Jan and they told me that they thought my decision was the right one and that they had faxed a referral to Southampton Hospital Immunotherapy Department already!

I saw the surgeon on Tuesday and they agreed to remove the lump, organised a Pre-op for the following day and a date for surgery of 27 Jan - the coming Friday.!

Having had the pre-op on 25 January I received a call from the secretary of one of the immunotherapy consultants in Southampton offering me an appointment for the following day, 26 January, to discuss my immunology treatment.

On Friday 27 Jan the surgeon removed my lump and on 9 February I received my first dose of immunotherapy drugs at Southampton UHS.

The speed at which my treatment was organised was astounding; every department that saw me was coordinated and responsive and the people who dealt with me could not have been kinder or more considerate.

My most sincere thanks to all concerned - QA have really done me proud.