Cancer patients' praise for breast surgeon featured in new TV series
Two cancer patients, featured in a new Channel 5 TV series The Surgeon, have expressed huge thanks to their breast surgeon ahead of their episode being screened tomorrow.
Toni Potter, 64, from Silver End near Witham, had a tumour removed from her right breast by Sascha Dua, Broomfield Hospital breast surgeon, as well as reconstruction on her left breast.
Of her experience of being filmed for the episode, she said: "On the day of the operation it was lovely to have all those people there for support and companionship, and it was just a privilege to be involved in it for Sascha and her team.
"She really puts you at ease. She gave me a big supportive hug, which I've never had from a consultant before.
"Words fail me for Sascha and her team, and they have my eternal gratitude and are just so fantastic. I want to thank them all for their dedication, being so nice and making me feel special at such a difficult time."
On discovering the lump, Toni initially thought it was a result of a knock she'd had at work, but she had an inkling something wasn't right.
She said: "I was very lucky that I took action straight away. After being referred by my GP the following week, which was at the end of September last year, by November I was having the operation which is featured on The Surgeon.”
Jess Sloan, 36, from Chelmsford, has had two lumpectomies, which is surgery to remove a portion of tissue from the breast.
She said: "As a cancer patient it felt important and interesting to be a part of this programme because of its subject matter and to play a small part in raising awareness as a patient receiving care.
"Agreeing to be a part of it allowed me to shine a light on how good the NHS is. I want to say a massive thank you to Sascha and her team for the ongoing support and treatment they have given me.”
Jess also wanted to be a part of the programme to show the importance of being aware of your body. She explained how she first spotted her lump.
"I was getting ready for bed and tying up my hair and noticed my breast looked different. I got it checked out and was referred really quickly."
Jess’s cancer journey continues and she is currently waiting for a mastectomy.
Sascha, Toni and Jess will feature in the second episode of The Surgeon which airs on Channel 5 tomorrow at 9pm. It will also be available on demand.