Hi
Has anyone had reconstruction done at Maidstone??
Lesley
Hi Ladies
I am trying to make my decission on recon and would appreciate your views, I dont know if to have back muscle and implant to be done by the wonderful Sue Jones at Maidstone or to go to East Grinstead and have hte tummy recon.
Your imput would be much appreciated
Thanks
Lesley
Hi Lesley
I had a back muscle and implant at Maidstone and yes I do think Sue Jones is wonderful. I am not sure if I can help with decision making though. I originally said I wanted a tummy recon but was slightly put off by the scar one of my friends had which goes the full length of her tummy.
I also looked at all the moles stretch marks etc and decided the skin from my back was a slightly better option. I also decided that at 54 it may take a while for me to be mobile again.
I had my recon six months ago and still find my back slightly tight etc but I am pleased I went for it, I am so pleased I no longer have the problem of what I choose to wear in the mornings to take account of my prosthesis. Also the skin on my new breast looks very smooth and neat.
Sue’s embroidery is brilliant!
Hi
Thanks so much for your reply, I have spoken with 2 ladies (the 2 different types ) and going to see one. I am like you worried about the mobile bit, I hope you dont think I am being forward but would there be any chance meeting you I can either give you my telephonhe number or you could go through the breast nurses at Maidstone, if not dont worry I have been in touch with another lady but she wasnt too keen to meet up.
Hi Lesley
I had my first mastectomy with back flap LD plus implant 4 weeks ago and I will be going in again in a few weeks for the other side, under the wonderful care of Mrs Jones at Maidstone. Guys Hospital referred me to her and I drive past my local hospital to get to her clinic!
You do not give your reason for surgery, but I am having it done as I am at genetic risk. I am very nearly 40 years old and regarding mobility after surgery, this seems to have many factors age being one. I also have the added advantage of not having to go through chemo or radiotherapy, which must also be an advantage.
I am very pleased so far with my new breast, pain was more discomfort than pain actually. I came home after 7 days of excellent care at Maidstone Hospital and managed on simple painkillers. 4 weeks on I am doing virtually everything now but still off work.
I was not given the option of using my tummy tissue because I needed 2 new breasts and I am quite slim. Mind you, we have had Christmas and I have been spoilt with presents of chocolates lately!!
I would be more than willing to meet with you. I didnt meet anyone before my surgery but I did speak to a lady over the phone and found it very helpful.
I agree with Merlyn about Sue’s embroidery.
Bye for now.
Jackie x
Hi Jackie
I had a mastectomy in September and have just finished chemo. I cannot have radiotherapy as I had it 14 years ago on the same side (this is my second BC), this BC is not a hormone cancer although my last one was!!!
I would like to meet up but still find it difficult to drive too far, so where do you live or perhpas we could meet at the hospital??
Its really good to hear good stories, my husband isnt keen for me to have the tummy op (he thinks is a larger op and he feels I have been through enough) but I want to make sure I make the right decission.
Thanks again
Lesley
Hi Lesley
You really have been through a lot havn’t you. I am glad you are over your chemo and taking the positive step of recon.
I am allowed to drive again in 2 weeks time and would be very happy to meet you wherever. I live in Folkestone. I have an appointment at the Breast Clinic next Wednesday afternoon but I only have to go if I have any fluid on my back which needs to be removed, so I will make the decision on the day whether to go or not. If I do not need to go I will not have any more appointments and I just wait until I go in for my next op.
I could let you know via this site if I will be in clinic, or I could leave you my contact details with Jean the BCN at Maidstone maybe. Do you have any other ideas? Since not being at work for a month now, my brain seems to have semi switched off!
I can see what your husband means. If I had the choice on which type of recon to have (and hind-sight of course) I would choose LD flap. Shorter anaesthetic and presumably less scarring.
Look forward to meeting you.
Jackie.
Hi Lesley
I live at Staplehurst but unfortunately I have shingles at the moment near the scar on my back so it wouldn’t be a good idea for us to meet just at the moment. But I am willing to speak to you over the phone.
How do you send private messages, I haven’t worked that one out yet?
Are you using your proper name, I am not, as I work for the trust and have to be a little careful.
Hi Merlyn
Just to let you know, you can send a private message by typing in the username of the person you are contacting privately into the, ‘Send a private message to (optional)’ box, then type your message as usual into this box, the post will then only be seen by you and the other user. If you would like to reassure yourself, if you look at the forums without logging in you will see this post is not viewable. The pm service is case sensitive so you do need to ensure the username is typed exactly as it appears on the site. I hope this is of help.
Best wishes
Lucy
Hi Lesley
I will be coming to Maidstone on Wednesday. My appointment is at 3.40. I would be very happy to meet after for a coffee.
Jackie.
Hi I had a masectomy and immediate LD reconstruction with Sue Jones at Maidstone on the 10 January (7 weeks ago). Everything has gone really well and although my back feels tight I am back doing everything as before even down to going to the gym! I had to have fluid drainage for 5 weeks as my back did suffer with fluid but no other problems. I had BC Sept 06 had WLE, chemo, radiatherapy, tamoxifen and zoladex. Am back in hospital with Sue Jones end of march for preventative surgery… I thought it was amazing moving the back muscle and personally didnt fancy the tummy recon as it is a much bigger operation! feel free to post any more questions and good luck in your decision.
Hi Bakers
As you can see from my entry above, I had same op as you, with implant, 23 Jan (nearly 5 weeks ago). My back is also feeling tight, but I get relief when fluid is drained.
At what stage did you receive the date for your second op? How many weeks will that make it between your 2 ops? I am hoping to have mine both done without having to go back to work inbetween.
Good for you going to the gym. How much do you manage to do. I tried to run the other day and it was very painful. Did you have implants? While I am at it, and asking loads of questions, would you mind saying how old you are?
Thanks.
Jackie.
Hi Jackie I am 40 at the end of May! I should tell you that I had my operation at the somerfield maidstone under sue jones, so not sure if there was more flexibility on operation dates privately?
At the gym I did cycling, leg crunches, walking and some sit ups, and general exercises for chest and arm area was probably there 45 mins as got abit bored to be honest and left earlier then I should have done! I have had implants inside my back muscle. I find it really weird at night as I find I have to sleep on my back. I used to sleep on my tummy which I can never imagine doing again… I am trying to get geared up for next op and also have just organised a 40th birthday party for end of may !! so not leaving myself too long… I notice that you live in Folkestone, I am at Ashford!
must keep in contact. my operation was 2 weeks before yours!
take care
Hi again,
Thanks for sharing all that with me, it is interesting to hear how someone else is progressing, especially as I am only approx 1 month older than you. My 40th is mid April!! I can’t really plan anything for my birthday because I am not sure if I will be in/just out of hospital. My partner lives in Ashford so I spend as much time at his place as I do mine in Folkestone. I chose Maidstone over Ashford hospital despite the extra travelling, I am starting to know every bump on the M20 from junction 13 to 5.
Please do keep in touch.
Jackie.
Hi Jackie
same here I could do the route with my eyes shut! my initial treatment was in bromley, then I transferred to maidstone for chemo etc as I lived in ashford but was having family history in bromley before being diagnosed. bit confusing… they wouldnt let me go to ashford! where abouts in ashford, I live singleton hill! my name is Lucy by the way…
really sad just going to the watch the palace !!
bye for now
Hi Everyone
Thanks for replying to my thread, you have made me feel much better and helping me with my decission.
Jackie: If we meet on Maidstone would I be able to see the op (sounds a bit pervy!!!) I could ask Anna or the other breast nurse to be present (cant remember her name!!)
and they should be able to arrange somewhere to sit quietly and then we could have a coffee.
Lesley
Lesley
No problem. See you tomorrow.
Jackie.
Glad you are going to see a recon in the flesh so to speak Tinfish, I won’t worry about you too much now.
I am so proud of my new breast I have shown it off to a few of my friends.
It makes it all a bit less scary for them knowing that the disease and its effects can be fought.
Good luck with Sue.