Being given a diagnosis of breast cancer is devastating at any age, but to be given this diagnosis at the relatively young age of 36, and to be told that you need to go through chemotherapy and have a mastectomy is even more distressing. I was diagnosed with breast cancer and spent the next nine months receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and undergoing mastectomy with lymph node clearance. The light at the end of the tunnel was the fact that my breast surgeon assured me that I could be referred for reconstructive surgery once the treatment had finished and he recommended Mr Sojitra.
Following a few consultations with Mr Sojitra, I was admitted to the Royal Free Hospital for breast reconstruction surgery. I opted for a DIEP flap reconstruction which brings tissue from my abdomen to be used to reconstruct my breast. I was in hospital for about a week, during which time I received excellent treatment from the entire team of nurses and doctors involved in my care. I was then discharged home and recuperated over the following two months, and was able to return to work nine weeks after my surgery.
It is now twenty months later and I have been discharged from Mr Sojitra’s care. The surgery has given an excellent result, particularly following nipple reconstruction and tattooing, and I am delighted with the outcome of the surgery. I feel much more confident and am able to wear clothes I thought I’d never wear again. It’s also great to be able to wear a “normal” bra and swimsuit, and I felt absolutely wonderful in my wedding dress when I got married just nine months after my reconstruction.
I am so thankful to Mr Sojitra and his entire team who have all worked so hard in achieving such a great result for me.
A.H
2012