Our family is deeply saddened by the departure of Dr. Suresh Katakkar and his wealth of knowledge and exceptional care. Being a patient of his and having been diagnosed with an advanced stage of a very rare form of cancer, we couldn't have had a better oncologist than Dr. Katakkar.
The B.C. Cancer Agency did not have a drug protocol or treatment plan in place for Thymoma. Therefore, he researched what treatment plans were in place throughout the world to treat this cancer. He had to jump through many hoops and a lot of resistance to have a treatment plan based on a study out of Japan approved.
After an aggressive treatment, the results were beyond expectations, having reduced the primary tumor over 90 per cent of its original size. A follow-up of radiation therapy has completely destroyed the primary tumor and we are now continuing to treat the last portion of the disease that was not radiated.
We found Dr. Katakkar to be a man of honor and honesty. He is a person who believes in providing his patients the best possible care he can. This was evident to us through not only his approach with us, how he explained everything in a way that we can understand, his phone calls to us at home, but also in his thoroughness in examinations and even the many People's Choice awards he has received in his career.
To read the latest article saying he is offering to work with the cancer agency for the north and other local health professionals to provide free advice and suggestions for the cancer centre is nothing short of amazing. It is our opinion that Dr. Katakkar believes in doing things right the first time, being open with his communication to his patients and sharing his knowledge and
expertise for the betterment of the world.
His departure is such a loss for us and the people of the north. We hope we haven't lost a true diamond for our Cancer Centre for the North.
Norris and Claudette Plante
Prince George
