Headlines 2022

Patient stories

Robotic operation first gives Paul and Lisa their dream summer wedding A robotic operation, thought to be one of the first of its kind in the UK, allowed a groom diagnosed with testicular cancer to make it to the church on time in good health for his wedding. Paul Hutchinson tied the knot with fiancée Lisa Bamforth in Poulton-le-Fylde last summer Paul said: “I genuinely didn’t think we could go ahead with the wedding as I was convinced I would not be well enough. The incredible robotic operation has dramatically reduced my recovery time and left me feeling fit and well”. The Christie has one of the largest robotic centres in the UK and the aim is to use that experience and expertise to allow more patients to potentially undergo this minimally invasive surgery to treat metastatic testicular cancer. The robot offers a highly magnified, 3D view with intricate instrument dexterity following the innovative procedure performed at The Christie.

New cancer treatments offered at home benefit Jean

a lot less stressful. It took about 30 minutes from start to end to get

treated for testicular cancer and a brain tumour has highlighted the importance that complementary therapies can have by backing one of our charity appeals. Phil Gledhill, aged 32, was diagnosed with testicular cancer late last year after being in pain for months. Following scans and investigations, Phil was referred to The Christie where he had surgery and is undergoing months of chemotherapy after it was discovered the tumour had spread to his brain. Phil, a scaffolder who lives in Farnworth with his partner Danielle, is being supported through his treatment by The Christie’s complementary health and wellbeing team, who provided him with self-help, resilience and relaxation techniques plus regular This year we have been continuing to expand the treatments we offer to patients at home – and one of those to benefit was retired store manager Jean Woods from Rochdale. Jean was diagnosed with HERS-2 positive breast cancer in November 2020 and initially travelled to Oldham for chemotherapy and hormonal treatments before becoming eligible to have her treatment at home. Jean said: “I was thrilled I was able to have my treatment at home once every three weeks. It was so much more convenient and

Jean Woods

the injection I needed. I knew that the nurse would come at a particular time and I could then get on with the rest of the day.” As a pioneer in providing chemotherapy treatments at home, The Christie has almost doubled the number of treatments offered to patients in their own home over the last three years and hopes to increase this further in the future.

Christie complementary therapy gives boost to Phil A Bolton man currently being

massages whilst he was in hospital, to help relieve stress and pain. He said: “I was really struggling physically and

Phil Gledhill with partner Danielle

emotionally when one of the nurses suggested a massage might help me. It seems such a simple thing, but when I was at my lowest, a massage and talking to a therapist helped me get through.” The Christie’s complementary health and wellbeing service provides vital support to patients during and after their treatment using techniques such as massage, acupuncture and relaxation which have been clinically proven to provide benefits. The service is entirely funded through charitable donations and costs over £200,000 each year.

to ensure careful removal of cancerous nodes whilst

preserving nerves and offering an enhanced recovery with much shorter convalescence.

Paul and Lisa at a recent birthday party

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