"I have been made to feel special"

In 2017 T4 N2b squamous cell carcinoma right maxilla at the Royal Surrey County Hospital - a huge shock.   In early 2018 a right maxillectomy, right neck dissection, and reconstruction with left anterolateral thigh flap was performed.   Afterwards, 6 weeks of post-operative radiotherapy was given.   I was also given physiotherapy treatment in order to regain the use of my right arm, which was severely reduced due to the neck dissection.

The consultants, Mr Bater and Mr D’Souza and their whole team gave me every attention prior to the operation.   They explained the procedure, outlined the options available to me, and answered all the questions that I and my family put to them during our appointments.   After the operation the staff in the IC ward and Clandon ward were kindness itself.   At no time was I left feeling that I could not ask them for anything and they looked after me wonderfully - at a time when there was an extremely difficult patient in the ward with me, who was excessively demanding!  The care I have received from the dietitians, speech therapists and clinical nurse specialists and the radiotherapy department has been so supportive and helpful, I cannot thank them enough.     

 

I have been made to feel “special” and not just a “number” throughout the whole horrid process, and the on-going care during the radiotherapy and physiotherapy, and since then in the follow-up appointments, has been wonderful.