Miss Sascha Dua 2018-02-01 Person 5 5 0

Firstly, I would like to take the opportunity for thanking anyone who takes a profession in medical and care. It is an acquired job thus performed by utmost passion. Dear Sascha Today, sitting in my bed and thinking about what I have been through in one month alone, I am thanking my lucky stars. I consider myself to be fortunate enough to be referred to you as my consultant when abnormalities were found in the breast in an ultrasound scan following a mammography. A biopsy was performed and sent to lab. A week later, the news of an invasive cancer taking abode in the breast was delivered [by you] to my family and I with a lot of sensitivity in mind. You were so reassuring, that I took the news as a positive step forward. To be more precise and clear I still remember your words, "this is a very treatable condition". That does not mean to say that you played it down on what I was suffering from. Following that, you made every effort to know my professional background and otherwise. After discussing treatment options and the hospital where I could be treated, it felt as if you were trying to connect with me, and I did not feel like I was just another number in the queue at the NHS. I was given the choice between NHS and Private care, as I was insured for private medical care, and we discussed the possible dates of the operation and the possible outcomes, risks and risk management – as well as treatment in the worst-case scenario. I must admit it was a lot to take in, but also further reassuring that you were mindful of that and did not bombard me with lots of unnecessary information which may not have been relevant immediately – for me, that was the perfect way of dealing with me: I like to take things in my stride, one step at a time. It felt it was an individualised approach, Surgery was very quick, and on the day of surgery you came to see me personally and made further effort to know my daughter-in-law, who was present by my bedside. My daughter-in-law was very impressed with your way of talking to her and with such an easy going and quickly connecting nature. Your team was excellent on the day of operation, making an excellent effort to keep me relaxed, helping me to keep my spirits up until I went into surgery. In the theatre you and your team were excellent: they knew about me, my mannerisms, and my sense of humour. Everyone carried on in the same manner as you did, which really set me at ease. Once the surgery was over, I was told by my daughter -in-law that you came personally to tell her about the success of the operation – it was quite a positive experience for her. In the follow-up appointment, you were just as good as you had been previously. All the prevention options were discussed, and I was referred to the Oncology consultant with no information hidden from me, and nothing was said to me in a manner that would cause me to burst into tears. I have told you in person that you have been a God sent angel to me, and I stand by that! I wish every patient the same level of care and treatment as I had received, because that is what we need in our darkest hour. Lastly, I would like to wish every success and happiness to you Sascha Dua, because that what you deserve. Regards Jaya (Kamlesh R) Karir