Improving bowel cancer care - Oliver Gallagher
When Oliver Gallagher noticed bleeding from the rectum he decided not to ignore the symptoms. Two days later he visited his GP and was later diagnosed with bowel cancer.
The 63-year-old from East Devon said: "I had watched a TV documentary on bowel cancer and when I noticed the bleeding I thought I should get checked out.
"My GP referred me to the Exeter Nuffield Hospital to see a specialist. I was given a colonoscopy and my condition was confirmed. I had stage 2 bowel cancer."
Stage 2 affects around 35 in every 100 people. At this stage the cancer has grown into the muscle layer of the bowel wall but around 70 percent of people with this type of cancer can expect to live longer than five years.
Oliver said: "My consultant took the view that I should have my surgery in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital which, like the Nuffield, is a Bupa approved bowel cancer hospital.
"My surgery was successful, and I was fitted with a temporary bag to collect waste direct from my bowel, allowing it to heal.
"I went to the Nuffield after four months to have surgery to link up the bowel. The surgery went okay, but after two days I became quite ill as my bowel wasn't functioning as it should.
"The blockage was repaired at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.
"I couldn't fault the service I've received. "The staff were excellent, I had my own private ensuite room with and the food looked amazing, although I wasn't up to eating much given my condition!
"Since my diagnosis in 2005 I have been a regular face at the Nuffield. I go back for regular scans, colonoscopys and X-rays to make sure nothing has come back.
"I'm now back to full health, my life has returned to normality.
"I'm back to work but it took me about 18 months to feel normal, and there is always that question at that back of your mind saying: what if?
"My doctors, and family have been a great support through this difficult time and I can't thank them enough."