Breast reconstruction awareness group
The London breast reconstruction awareness group (L-BRA) is a patient group set up by the plastic and reconstructive surgery department at the Royal Free London, providing information and support for women undergoing breast reconstruction as part of their treatment for breast cancer.
The group is an opportunity for women awaiting reconstructive surgery to meet other women who have already had breast reconstruction in a relaxed and informal setting.
Coming into hospital for surgery can be a daunting experience, particularly with a recent breast cancer diagnosis. The L-BRA evenings aim to demystify the process and introduce patients to other women who are going through the same experience and to those who have completed their reconstructive journey.
What happens at a L-BRA meeting?
Typically the evening begins with a brief introduction to the types of breast reconstruction and then a more detailed description of what to expect during your time in hospital.
You will meet members of the breast reconstruction team including our specialist nurses who will demonstrate some of the equipment such as the warming blanket you may be given immediately following surgery.
There will be past patients present who have had differing types of breast reconstruction surgery as it is important to recognize that not all patients are suitable for all types of breast reconstruction.
The second part of the evening is a ‘show-and-tell’ format where women have the opportunity to meet, talk to and look at the women who have completed their breast reconstruction.
There is ample opportunity to ask questions both of the previous patients and of the clinical team in a relaxed setting.
When do the meetings take place?
Meetings are held at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead every 6-8 weeks. Due to the format of the evenings, the L-BRA meetings are for women only and patients are encouraged to bring along a female relative, friend or partner for support.
The meetings generally run from 6pm to 8pm in the evening.
Meeting dates for 2023
- Thursday 9 February
- Tuesday 21 March
- Thursday 18 May
- Tuesday 25 July
- Thursday 28 September
- Tuesday 21 November
For further enquiries please contact 0207 794 0500 ext 37534 or rf-tr.breastreconstruction@nhs.net