Birmingham Maxillofacial

and booked an appointment to see Mr Ross Elledge, Oral and Maxillofacial Facial Surgeon at HCA The Harborne Hospital,  a Hospital I had never been to before.   I had an appointment on the 2^nd June 2025 and by this time,  I noticed that a lump had appeared in the roof of my mouth.  Mr Elledge referred me for investigations (Cone Beam CT and Head and Neck MRI) which revealed that the lump on the roof of my mouth showed malignancy.   Mr Elledge referred me immediately to see Mr Sat Parmar,  Head and Neck  / Maxillofacial Surgeon.

Mr Sat Parmer carried out an examination two days after seeing Mr Elledge.  Further investigations were arranged including a biopsy which confirmed that I had cancer, a adenocarcinoma,  and I would need extensive surgery to remove the tumour, as well as a free flap reconstruction together with the removal of some teeth and a free flap.     I was in complete and utter shock and disbelief at being diagnosed with cancer and in particular this type, as well as the extensive surgery that I would need to remove the cancer.  I felt completely helpless but Sat Parmar was so calming and supportive.   He explained my diagnosis over and again, as well as the surgery and aftercare I would need.   I asked him many questions repeatedly and he always had the time and patience to discuss my worries and concerns about what lay ahead.   Sat Parmar was so reassuring, and I had the utmost faith that I was in the most experienced surgical hands and that I had the best team looking after me.    This included Mr Prav Praveen, Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon who would be working alongside Mr Parmar in my treatment and surgery.     Prior to my surgery I saw both Mr Parmar and Mr Praveen on many occasions and the support and advice I received from both was exemplary.     It was clear to me that they were both experts in their field and I was in safe and experienced hands.

Shortly before my surgery I met with further nursing staff from Mr Parmar and Mr Praveen’s team and in particular Bal Gill, Oncology Nurse and Arte Dhokia, Dietician.

On the day of my surgery, on Friday 1^st August,  I met with Bal Gill early in the morning and the emotional support she gave was outstanding, as I was extremely scared about what lay ahead with my surgery and what I would look and feel like afterwards.  She really helped with the fears and worries and was so caring from this day until I was discharged and ongoing.

After my surgery I was in ITU for around 5 days and Mr Parmar and Mr Praveen examined me twice daily.   The attention to my care and wellbeing was exemplary.    Bal Gill also came to see me every day and her care, understanding and support for my wellbeing was outstanding.   She really helped me through the difficult emotional journey I had after my surgery.

I was transferred to the ward from ITU after around 5 days.     I had additional support from physiotherapy,  dieticians and Speech and Language Therapists, all who helped me on my road to recovery.

I was able to be discharged earlier than planned due to the support and advice I received from Mr Parmar, Mr Praveen, Bal Gill,  dieticians, physiotherapy and SALT.    I also ensured that I was physically fit and healthy before my surgery.   I was therefore able to recuperate at home and have returned to see Mr Parmar for checkups on a regular basis.

Mr Parmar advised on follow up after my surgery that the pathology report confirmed that the cancerous tumour had been fully removed,  my margins were clear and I would not require any Radiotherapy.    This news was music to my ears!      

My recovery is still ongoing but it has only been some three and a half weeks since I have been discharged.  I will be undergoing ongoing care from physiotherapy,  SALT and from Arte Dhokia, dietician to continue with my recovery.   A surveillance plan is also now in place for the future.    

Mr Sat Parmar and Mr Prav Praveen are the best experts in their field of Head and Neck Oncology.  I was told my surgery would require facial access.  Mr Parmar and Mr Praveen knew I was really worried about facial scarring this would cause.  I was therefore completely astounded and pleased to be told after my surgery that they had been able to avoid any facial access and I had no scarring on my face!   Amazing.    I cannot thank them both enough for their expertise and dedication due to my concerns. 

I have been fully supported throughout my cancer journey with care and understanding and in the knowledge that the Surgeons carrying out my extensive surgery were certainly work class experts.

But not to forget the fantastic Bal Gill !  She has provided unconditional support throughout my very emotional cancer journey.  

Thank you all.