Happy Hanukkah

Happy Hanukkah to all of our Jewish patients, friends and families who are celebrating, including Lymphoedema patient, Jerry Fried. Jerry from Gateshead has been coming to our Lymphoedema Clinic since 2012 for treatment of his lymphoedema, which he developed following treatment for cancer. Lymphoedema is a chronic condition that can’t be cured, but with the right treatment and support, people are able to live with it and enjoy quality of life. Find out more about Jerry’s experience of being cared for by our specialist team here:  

“I was diagnosed with chondrosarcoma (a type of bone cancer) in my right pelvis in April 2011 and had a hemipelvectomy (the removal of a portion of the pelvic girdle) in November at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, USA as there are no bone banks in the UK. After a year in rehab I returned to the UK and a doctor at the Freeman Hospital referred me to St Oswald’s Hospice as the surgery had destroyed my lymph nodes in my right pelvis causing Lymphoedema. I’ve been under St Oswald’s Hospice’s care ever since.

“When I was first referred to St Oswald’s I hadn’t heard of the Hospice and was shocked that the NHS didn’t have it’s own Lymphoedema Clinic. When I got there I was pleasantly surprised and have been more than satisfied with the care over the last ten years.

“I cannot thank the Lymphoedema Team  enough for the tremendous, super treatment over the years. They’ve controlled my Lymphoedema and kept it from getting worse, which would not be the case if not for their treatment and care.”

During Covid-19 Jerry was unable to get home to the UK but even across the Atlantic St Oswald’s Hospice were able to still offer crucial support. Jerry added:

“I was in the USA for treatment when COVID-19 broke out and was stuck in the USA for over a year due to the delays in medical treatments and then the travel restrictions. But amazingly the Hospice still managed to get my compression garments sent across to America!

“All of the Hospice staff and volunteers have been absolutely tremendous over the past ten years but I must make special mention to Kath Clark (Matron, Day Services) as she’s gone way beyond the call of duty to be extra helpful and caring, especially when I was stuck abroad for long periods of time. She has provided more than excellent care.”

Jerry ended with a special message to our Lymphoedema Team:

“I’m extremely grateful to all the staff and volunteers who do a really great job. THANK YOU ALL VERY VERY MUCH!”