My first contact with Julie was just before Christmas last year 2022. My husband M had an endoscopy, and we were told that it was very likely to be cancer of the esophagus. We were both in shock and experiencing all that truly horrible initial fear when you hear those words but don’t really know yet what it means for you. The consultant mentioned that Julie Deacon was the person who “makes things happen” and that she would guide us through everything. As we’ve discovered over the course of this year, he was right!

Our two children had just returned home from university for Christmas and until we knew the diagnosis for sure and what the treatment would be, M and I decided not to say anything to them. Discretion and not receiving any suspicious phone calls at home was therefore very important, and right from the start, Julie understood this completely and would text me to check if it was ok to call and give me a 10 minute warning so I could make my excuses that I was going to the shops and then call her back from the car without anyone knowing. Things like this may seem small but when your world has suddenly been thrown into a very dark scary place, they matter.

Not only have M and I been so impressed with Julie’s empathy and compassion, but also her incredible efficiency and ability to get things done quickly and to communicate everything clearly. Although it was Christmas time, Julie got us an appointment as soon as possible for the CT scan that would confirm the diagnosis and really chased the reporting on the scan. Rather than waiting to be told the results in clinic, Julie has always responded to my requests to be kept updated with understanding and an appropriate sense of urgency and phoned us with various results throughout the last eight months. 

She ensured M’s chemo started when it should and really listened when he wanted his PICC line out in the lead up to his surgery so that playing his bagpipes could be an important part of his fitness programme, recognising it was the return of a much-loved hobby too!

My husband’s positive attitude throughout his treatment has been amazing and that has helped me but when I have struggled emotionally, particularly in the early days of shock, Julie was my rock. I remember one Monday in February when I was at my lowest.  I realised I had to do something to get myself out of it and not wanting to burden M or dent his positivity, I contacted Julie and asked if I could meet her for coffee. Within 10 minutes of texting her, Julie messaged me back in her lovely reassuring way and said ‘Of course we can meet, when suits you?” Just knowing I would be seeing her, I felt an enormous sense of relief and our chat - never rushed despite being busy - was a turning point in me getting my head around things and feeling a lot calmer and in control. Since then, I have lost count of the many chats and messages I or M and I have had with Julie throughout his treatment.

I reckon Julie and her excellent colleague C must have a laugh at the length and detail of my texts sometimes but neither of them ever makes me feel a nuisance; they understand some people like me need detail and are proactive in their loved one’s care and respect that.  Although our dealings with C have been fewer, it is clear to M and me from C’s lovely manner and efficiency that Julie must be an excellent mentor. It is wonderful for patients now and in the future how Julie shares her vast experience with C and other colleagues.

M, like many men, is not always the most open about his feelings but he speaks so highly of Julie, the exceptional care she has given him and how very comfortable he feels with her.