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Professor Robin Jones 2018-06-26 Person 4 5 0

Sarcomas are a very complex cancer type, and my particular chondrosarcoma is a very rare form of this (when I was diagnosed, it was only number 11 of more than 21,000 treated at the ROH in Birmingham). As such, data is limited in devising options for their treatment, when compared with more common cancers such as breast and prostate. I have had several very good and considerate oncologists who have listened compassionately and shared their ideas, including Dr Charles Candish (Cheltenham), Professor Ian Judson and Dr Robin Jones (Marsden). Dr Charles Akle (London Clinic and independent researcher) has also been central to my treatment with his impressive command of the field of immunotherapy and his unfailing ability to think outside of the box, seeing treatment options unknown to less informed oncologists. To say nothing of the excellent surgeons who have removed primary and secondary tumours from my leg, lungs and heart: Mr Abudu, Mr Jordan et al. What I am saying here is essentially that effective cancer treatment depends quite clearly upon a multi-disciplinary team of specialists communicating with each other through the MDT and at regular other times, to brainstorm treatment options. I have been very happy to have Dr Robin Jones as my primary oncologist in this. If I had listened to one oncologist at the Birmingham QE nine years ago, then I wouldn't have lived even five years with this aggressive sarcoma. Robin Jones is open to a wide range of treatments, and the problems I feel sometimes with gaining access to the main consultant are invariably those associated with a small NHS cancer department struggling with a massive patient list. Too often one sees a junior member of the team, well meaning but not informed of the patient history. But that is an institutional failing not an individual one. I like Robin's manner, his compassion and his sense of humour - these are key qualities in putting the patient at ease. Delivering tough news would make any good doctor nervous, otherwise they would be lacking in empathy for their patient.