Surgery soon after GP visit

Nov 25 2008

IT was a persistent cough which sent grandfather Maurice Dodsley to his doctor. And it was a good job that he went as the cause was quickly discovered to be lung cancer.

Within weeks of his visit to the doctor, the 83-year-old former Lucas general foreman was undergoing surgery to remove one-third of a lung.

“My doctor sent me for a chest X-ray and I was told it would take two weeks,” he says. “Two days later my doctor called and said could I come down to the clinic as soon as possible. He said there was something showing on the X-ray.

“This was two years ago so I was 81. When I saw the specialist I asked whether it was worth doing surgery and he said if I didn’t then I would have 12 months left.”

After the surgery Maurice, who is married to 83-year-old retired nursery nurse Beryl, dad to 50-year-old Brenda and grandfather to 21-year-old student Katie and 20-year-old student Lizzie, was left with some symptoms but generally feels well.

“Breathlessness is the biggest problem,” he says. “But other than that I am perfectly all right.”

Maurice, of Sheldon, received support from the team at Solihull Hospital and he and Beryl are now members of the support group.

“I had fantastic support at the hospital and we enjoy being part of the group,” he says.