Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Clare   Wonderful news you're now with the Marsden (I also had a tough time getting the transfer – both the original hospital and my GP were reluctant to pursue a referral and I had to resort to throwing my toys out of the pram, and writing several angry letters to the head of my GP practice – the whole process took six weeks!).   Good luck with your consultations.   If you need to bounce your experience off someone who's been through something similar, please don't hesitate. And I can try to help with any questions you might have about the actual surgery and recovery time in the ward.   Wishing you the best outcomes… Farah ... View more

Hi Clare   I had a left breast mastectomy with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction at the Marsden, South Kensington. I went there for a second opinion after being diagnosed, following a routine screening mammogram, at another London hospital. My experience was tremendous – beyond my wildest dreams. I was told by the first hospital that my nipple couldn't be saved. But the Marsden team not only saved my nipple, they've created a new boob almost identical in size and shape to the previous, and whilst Grade 2 invasive cells were found in the DCIS, my margins were clear and I'm now on an adjuvant therapy treatment plan. My two surgeons are super heroes in my eyes. I'm happy to share details.   The run-up to surgery, through to aftercare (by the surgeons as well as the nurses) is gold standard. And, I wish all NHS services and hospitals were as good, considerate, patient, unpatronizing etc as the teams working on me at the Marsden.    Good luck with your decision making, and the treatment route you opt for. I'm happy to help if you need.   Wishing you well as soon as possible. Farah ... View more

Hi Nitajane   So sorry to read that you're still in discomfort. I'm having a left breast mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction in a few weeks, and from what I've read and heard from other patients what you're going through is probably normal. It supposedly takes at least six weeks for the discomfort to disappear and you begin to feel normal. At least that's what I'm led to believe by my BCN. Are you able to do the prescribed exercises and anti-lymphoedema stretches?   You must feel so relieved that you lymph nodes are clear. That's something I'm dreading – getting those results.   How was the surgery for you? Did you have many drains and have to stay in hospital for long. I'm curious. I hope you'll see each day gets better.   In the meantime, wishing you a happier few weeks ahead. Fonty x   ... View more

It's over and now the recovery can begin. Good to hear you're enjoying your tea and you're back on the ward! Hope the rest of your stay in hospital is free of complications. X ... View more

Wishing you the very best for tomorrow. And here's to a speedy healing process.   I'm having the same treatment in a few weeks, so know the emotional rollercoaster you've been on.   Hugs Farah x ... View more