Hello I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer just as the covid 19 pandemic was starting. I was originally due to have a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction but it all got cancelled due to lock down. 3 weeks into lockdown I was called and told they had a bed for me but I was only offered the mastectomy they withdrew the reconstruction!! I was literally operated on, turfed out the hospital and left to get on with things with no aftercare because of lock down!!! They called me 2 weeks after my operation as said ‘oh you need chemo’ go to the hospital next week and they will sort you out!! This is not an exaggeration it happened like this!! Anyway, I had chemo through lockdown again with no after care as everything was shut! Just me and a chemo nurse. That was 3 years ago, I’ve been on a waiting list now for over 2 years waiting for reconstruction (they wouldn’t put me on the list till after chemo had finished) is anyone else on a reconstruction waiting list? How long have you been on it? I get really cross as women now are getting immediate reconstruction when having their if mastectomy whilst I still have to wait. I find this discriminatory it’s so unfair Im just tossed aside and left to wait while other ladies get there recon straight away! 3 years just left with one boob flopping about I look and feel horrible but no one cares as I’m seen as not in clinical need as my treatment has concluded! I cry every night and I can’t look at myself in the mirror, it affects my relationships and I have no confidence anymore.
Dear Samigee,
I can’t believe what has happened to you, lockdown has so much to answer for. However this is totally unacceptable, don’t know what hospital you are under, I think you need to contact PALS giving them a breakdown of your treatment. They should be able to take this upfor you, with your breast care nurse/department, hopefully get to the bottom of what has gone terribly wrong in your case.
Maybe, call the breast cancer nurses on this site 0808 800 6000 who are extremely knowledgeable, helpful and caring, they will also be able to point you in the right direction.
I do wish you well going forward, please post again letting us know how you are getting on.
with the biggest hugs Tili ???