Mr Naren Basu 2018-12-19 Person 5 5 0

In September 2018, I had noticed that the shape of my left breast was changing. As I have had breast implants for many years, I booked a flight to Cyprus, to have them replaced with a reputable and recommended surgeon. I flew out, met with the surgeon and went into surgery as planned. On coming around from the surgery, I was informed that the implant had been removed, however they had discovered a tumour and removed a significant piece. Naturally I was shocked to begin with, however, I decided that I would be positive and not let it be all consuming. I returned home, told my family the news and with them, started to look for an oncologist. After reading various biographies and taking into account expertise and experience, I contacted Mr Basu. I met with Mr Basu and went through the information I had from Cyprus, as well as showing him the tumour which was in a block (I’m not sure how I got this through customs!) Within 2 weeks, I’d had scans, blood tests and my operation scheduled. I was to have the remainder of the tumour removed, as well as some lymph nodes. The operation was long as it consisted of removing the tumour, some nodes, reconstruction on my left breast and removal of the implant form the right breast. I’m usually quite energetic, however, following the surgery I found the recovery slow. I was frustrated that I couldn’t just get up and about without feeling light-headed or tired. Cancer isn’t a part of my family history, so having breast cancer came as a shock. I tried to bury my head and continue as I normally would, but my body wasn’t letting me plough on. I was thinking of the next appointment and the possible outcomes; would the nodes show anything? Will I need chemotherapy? The following week I went for a check-up and then back the following week to discuss the results and how I was feeling. The good news was that all of the tumour had been removed, the not so good news, 2/5 nodes showed cancerous cells. This meant another operation to remove more cells and we decided that, at the same time, the right breast reconstruction would be carried out. Mr Basu also reminded me that I’d had had 2 major operations within 4 weeks, which for somebody with a heart condition is a lot to endure. The surgery went to plan with 16 more nodes being removed and thankfully all of them were clear of cancer but what next? Mr Basu carefully explained my options; I could enter a clinical trial, or I could have the tumour genetically tested which would help to decide on the course of treatment. We have gone for the second option and I am now awaiting the results from the oncotype test. As I’ve mentioned, this was and still is a shock to me, as I’m sure it is to anyone diagnosed with cancer. Mr Basu has gone above and beyond with the support provided to me and I cannot thank him and his team enough.