Choices re Rectum cancer

Hi Elijahs I don’t know the answer to this but perhaps you could contact the PALS department at your current hospital for guidance and explain why you want to change?

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospitals/what-is-pals-patient-advice-and-liaison-service/

Hi Elijahs nana 

This link takes you to the choices you have in the NHS, which I hope you might find helpful.

Your Choices In The NHS

Sarah xx

Many thanks for your reply. I’ve read it and it seems to say I  

Just to update. I did get a second opinion and have now been referred to the Christie for surgery.. Absolutely terrified but feel confident I am in the right place for a positive conversation and outcome

Hi Elijahs nana 

Christie’s is one of the cancer centres of excellence so you should be in good hands there x

Rectal cancer diagnosis June 2021, age 84. At that age I dismissed self pity and relaxed in the care of the staff at West Suffolk Hospital, in whom I had complete faith. The colonoscopy was not the most entertaining afternoon I’ve had. I don’t really know why but I had quite a relaxed conversation with two assistant (trainee?) anaesthetists while waiting for the previous patient to complete.  They both made a point of visiting me in ward after recovery room, for which I was so grateful. The op took about 8 hours for an APR and colonectomy. I was in hospital for three weeks after the op. Every time I stood up my BP dropped like a stone. I was driving again after 3months.  I’m still symptom free after almost 4 years,  and  am looking forward to my 89th birthday in May. We, none of us, know what is round the next corner, but I am so grateful for the NHS and what they did for me while coping with COVID.  To anyone facing a similar situation I can only say that you are very high on the priority list of so many people; some of them you will probably never meet. Al good wishes and keep the faith! 

Hi, I also had my op at the West Suffolk Hospital, performed by a Dr Tom (he was Indian and I could not pronounce his name, so called him Dr Tom).  Obviously it was not a picnic in the park, but that was nearly two years ago, and like you back to normal now, driving etc.  I also volunteer at the St Nicholas Hospice which is the building at the back of West Suffolk Hospital, I felt I wanted to give something back, as I know what it is like to face an uncertain future.  I have been there for over a year now, and can honestly say it is the most wonderful place, the staff are fantastic from the cleaners, catering staff, nurses and Doctors.  I am so pleased that you are doing so well, and long may it continue.

Thankyou so much for your reply. I’m 79 so very similar to yourself I appreciate your detailed experience,it strangely makes it more doable. You’re right about not knowing what is round the corner so face the road in front of you first.thanks again

Thankyou you both seem to have had excellent treatment 

And so will you, its not an easy journey, and I can feel for you, as you are at the start of your treatment, and I am at the end, but if I can get through it, so can you. Try and stay positive. xx