I’ve had my removal of sentinel nodes, met the plastic surgeon, and have got a CT scan for the DIEP flap/mastectomy next week and meeting with the breast cancer surgeon in 2 weeks. Does anyone have any experience of how long it takes till my big op date from then? I really need to know how long it’ll take from seeing the surgeon after all the tests and results. It’s been classed as an urgent op. I have to cancel loads of important work meetings as I’m self-employed. I hate not knowing. ?
I understand your frustration but, unless you go privately (and even then nothing is guaranteed) you just have to go with the flow. There are strict NICE guidelines for the time between diagnosis and surgery, between surgery and chemo etc, so you definitely won’t be at risk. However, they are short-staffed in almost all areas, have to accommodate emergencies in the operating theatres and, sadly, there are many women waiting. Your surgery requires specific skills and a lot of time but the theatres are all working to packed timetables.
I guess your logic has told you all this already and being self-employed must add to your stress and anxiety but you’re seeing your breast surgeon in two weeks and s/he will be able to give you a rough guide. It won’t be a long wait - that’s all I can say. But ‘long’ can mean different things to different people. Meantime, focus on relaxing, meditation, mindfulness, self-hypnosis. They’re all good preparation and very useful when you’re recuperating. I hope it all goes well for you x