"Breast reconstruction post cancer diagnosis"

I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the Solihull Breast Clinic in 2017 (a while ago, but I recently had my last surgery). The consultant, nurses, even the receptionists were so lovely. It was a very difficult time and even the slightest thing going wrong could have tipped me over the edge, but the whole clinic ran so smoothly, with care and kindness (just at the right level of sympathy).

I very quickly found myself on the cancer pathway and started chemo within a couple of weeks. After 6 months I had a mastectomy and temp reconstruction, followed by radiotherapy. Then five years later I had a risk reducing mastectomy on the other side. I have just been discharged from Solihull Hospital after having a bilateral reconstruction. The temporary implant expanders have been removed and exchanged for permanent implants with fat transfer (lipo modelling) to provide a smoothing over the implants.

I am so pleased. I feel normal again and the staff, particularly the plastic surgery team, anaesthetist, nurses, secretaries etc all made me feel like I was the most important patient they had. They treated me like I was a friend. I felt cared for and any fears that I had melted away as they all went about their work to help me take the next steps to my future. I feel so much love and respect for them.

The plastics team have become almost like a family to me over these years and every appointment with Mr Khalil or his colleagues has been like visiting friends. They are all so lovely, knowledgeable, but kind, reassuring and supportive. I will never forget how they helped me through the toughest time of my life, how I know they are still there if I need them. I love my new shape and would recommend treatment at Solihull to anyone going through cancer.