Breast Reconstruction after Cancer

Breast Reconstruction (DIEP), Female, Bedfordshire

Following a breast cancer diagnosis, I decided I wanted a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction to give myself the best chance of breast cancer never returning. I was put in touch with Nilesh through my breast surgeon who I had seen at The Spire Hospital Harpenden. I had two consultations with Mr Sojitra,at the Spire Hospital Harpenden, the first consultation where a procedure called DIEP reconstruction was suggested (using my own body tissue from my generous tummy flap having had 4 children), this is the most complex of reconstructive micro surgery but gives the best long term results. I met the wonderful Teresa his plastics nurse who looks after patients with him on follow up appointments. Prior to my first meeting with him Teresa telephoned me to discuss my knowledge of the procedure and also gave me her mobile phone number should I have any further questions or queries. Mr Sojitra  comes across as a very laid back no fuss to the point, quiet person. He agreed I would be a suitable candidate for DIEP reconstruction and explained the procedure which was going to be done within the same operation as the double mastectomy, the whole operation taking between 10 to 15 hours, not many people have a double reconstruction and due to the complexity of the micro surgery and the immediate aftercare I would need, it would have to be performed at the Royal Free in London. However he was very reassuring and daunting and scary as the whole thing was I was not at any time worried or concerned that I had chosen the wrong surgeon, his calm reassuring approach together with his honest realistic recovery explanations made me feel at ease.  His very efficient secretary Carolyn Butterfield rang me to arrange further appointments and also kept me updated on the date for my forthcoming surgery. I had a final appointment with Nilesh prior to my operation and again he answered any questions that I had. On the day of the surgery Nilesh came up to see me in my hospital room with his team, and they were ready for me. No waiting or hanging about. I was in theatre for 13 –14 hours. I was in hospital as Nilesh had predicted for 9 days, the first few days on an NHS ward where the care and nursing I received at the Royal Free was above and beyond, then transferred up to the private patients floor, again with amazing care. I am now 6 weeks post op and have seen Nilesh and Teresa at fortnightly intervals. The results I have on my reconstructed breasts are amazing, I also have due to the operation a flat stomach, as once they have reconstructed you from your stomach you get a tummy tuck as well. I have been very lucky my cancer had not spread, as I chose such radical surgery for me there is no further treatment. But for anyone considering any reconstructive surgery I have one statement to make and that is, “ The mans a GENIUS”, he is very unassuming very professional, and he has reconstructed my breasts in a way that even the nurses were asking, “Are they real”?, I won’t see him and his amazing team now until I have my 6 month follow up, I have been very lucky to be able to walk away from my breast cancer, and very very fortunate to have been put in touch with this amazing man by my breast surgeon. Words can not express the gratitude I feel for what Mr Nilesh Sojitra  has done for me. As I thanked him for giving me back the rest of my life, I meant every word.

Tracey G – Bedfordshire

Breast Reconstruction, Female, West London

Dear Mr. Sojitra

I cannot put into words nor express my profound  gratitude and thankfulness for what you have done for me.  What you have given me is priceless.  When I was diagnosed with cancer eight years ago and my right breast removed I had no hope at all of ever getting my breast back.  It left me scarred and there was a deep void in my life.  Even though I had the option of having breast reconstruction surgery—I did not have the courage to go through surgery again–I felt at my age 60+
I was being vain and wanting something which was unnecessary.
All that changed when my GP sent me to you for a consultation at the hospital.  Right from the start you instilled confidence in me.   When I hesitatingly asked you whether it was okay for me to go through this surgery at my age– your response still rings in my years  “Even 80 year olds go through surgery and sail through with no problems.”  That changed everything for me and I decided to go ahead with the surgery.  It took another eight months before I could finalize the dates for the surgery due to heavy work commitments.  Now looking back I can honestly say it is the best decision I have ever made.  There is a dignified and quiet confidence about you.  I sensed goodness and integrity in you.  You do not smile often–I wish you did!!–but I was convinced your seriousness was due to the fact that you were so very committed and dedicated to what you do.  I was right.  You are the best– an amazing and brilliant surgeon.  I am so fortunate to have had you as my surgeon.  What you have given me is perfect breasts.  I cannot even differentiate between my real breast and the one created by you.  They are identical..I have absolutely the best and most beautiful breasts now–thanks to you..  I cannot stop admiring them..It is awesome and life changing.  This is the happiest I have been in a long long time.
You have given me back my confidence, self esteem, self assurance and above all my femininity.  I admire and marvel at what you do.
May the Divine always guide you in your ongoing work in giving countless women hope, joy self confidence, self worth and most precious of all their femininity.  Through out the entire procedure you and your team have taken care of me exceptionally well and with utter dedication.  Please say a big “thank you” to one and all.  I am forever grateful and thankful.
Thank you Thank you Thank you
Yours sincerely
RC

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction, Female, North London

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

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction, Female, London

Dear Mr Sojitra,

I cannot thank you enough for all that you have done for me.  I am absolutely delighted with the result.  I consider myself so fortunate to have been given such amazing surgery.  It was worth every ouch in the first few days.

The kindness and care shown to me by all members of your team including those dedicated nurses on the ward was beyond compare.  Thankyou again

Yours,

Mrs H.

DIEP Flap Reconstruction, Female, Hertfordshire

Dear Mr Sojitra,

this is a short letter just to say thank you very much for the recent surgical procedure you did for me i.e  DIEP flap, breast reduction and nipple reconstruction.  You have done a wonderful job and i am very grateful.  Everything is settling down nicely and now my clothes fit.

I feel that you have given me my life back and i am over the moon!  Of course i am grateful to all of your team as well.

Yours sincerely,

R.L ( Hertfordshire)