Difficulties Trying To Get Recon Surgery

Hi, I would be very grateful if any of you ladies who may have had difficulties in getting recon surgery, let me know your experiences.

My story is that in Dec 2008 was diagnosed with BC. Had mastectomy performed very quickly (xmas eve). Didn’t have recon at the time as all happened very quickly and I wanted minimal time in hospital as children were 8 and 3 at the time.

Saw breast cancer surgeon January 2010 who referred me to plastic surgeon for recon. We also agreed on a mastectomy on other breast so recon would be on both breasts.

Saw plastic surgeon end January, we agreed I would lose at least 2 stone before he would book me in. I lost 2 stone by June but could not get appointment to see surgeon until last month.

I went to see him but because he did not have my file and I was due to see oncologist the following week, he told me to go back and see him the following week. I saw oncologist, she said she would make sure he had my file for my next appointment. She was confused as to why he had not yet put me on waiting list.

Went back to see plastic surgeon last week. He could not remember seeing me the week previous and didn’t have the notes he had previously made (did have my medical file though). He said I would have to make yet another appointment to see him as he would need to explain risks of surgery (told him he already has but he said not fully). He said he was too busy at that time to explain as he had a lot of patients to see. He also commented that he thought I was supposed to lose more weight. The week before he was happy with weight loss.

I know have a further appointment with him in october to further discuss risks etc. I am not sure as to whether to request I be referred to a different surgeon as he doesnt seem to like me asking questions and when I do, he kind of smirks and doesnt reply.

I went through chemo,radiotherapy last year and naively thought I would get the recon this year. It feels as though I am requesting surgery for vanity reasons.

Any advice would be most appreciated.

bump

Hi bumping this up for you as I will be interested to hear the replies as I am exactly one year behind you. I was dx December 2009 and have just completed chemo and rads so hoping for reconstruction some time next year.
Best wishes x

hi cant believe ur aving so much hassle,after all uve been through u should not be made to feel u r doing it for vanity! i go on monday to see my surgeon.had my surgery a year ago and felt ready now to discuss reconstruction.my doc was very supportive and sent me away for a month to decide wot procedure id prefer.u need to contact your breast care nurse, mine is fab at cuttng through all the red tape! all us women deserve only the best treatment, good luck and fight! love tina x

Thanks for your support.

I have spoken to BC nurse. She said she’ll ask breast cancer surgeon to have “unofficial” chat with plastic surgeon to find out situation.

The BC nurse did say though that it’s entirely up to plastic surgeon when and if he decides to do surgery.

I’ve got through all the treatment so to have this situation now is quite stressful. I dont think I would be happy now in any case to see him again which is disappointing as he has a good reputation. I would prefer someone with a bit more understanding and more approachable manner.

Regards
Sarah

had some similar experiences but eventually got expander on one side before having 2nd masectomy and double recon. my surgery is due to happen in newcie but need to push it to get it moving as plastic surgeon is really busy but supposed to be really good. good luck

Hi

I didnt have any trouble getting referred for reconstruction. I had my mx in Dec 2006, and chemo during 2007. I finally felt at my last mammogram in Dec 2009 i would like to consider reconstruction. My Breast Surgeon wrote and asked the Plastic Surgeon to see me. I got an appt in Feb to speak to him, I am now on the list awaiting Tram Flap surgery. I was led to believe it didnt matter how long you delayed it, you would be considered for surgery. I have had very good treatment all through my BC journey. I live in Scotland.

Carolyn x

Hi,

I have asked by onc to transfer me to a different plastic surgeon. I have spoken to a couple of people who had similar problems as me with the same plastic surgeon. They also transferred and underwent recon with a different P/S.

I dont know why the P/S is so difficult but others have said he seems to be on some kind of power trip!.

Thanks for for your comments.

Hi Sheila,
Thought my story would be of interest to you!! I had mastectomy in March 07, with chemo and radiotherapy so not suitable for immediate recon. But I knew I def wanted one, so once treatment finished, I went and asked surgeon…3 times!! Each time, he basically told me he didn’t expect me to survive and it would be a waste of time!! (Triple neg, 5cm tumour with 14/20 lymph nodes affected and stage 3, grade 3) Now I knew my odds were not great, but who was he to refuse? It is highly upsetting, demoralising and degrading. By this time, I had suffered damage to my spine, which I am convinced is result of Taxotere. Had several ops, but still want recon, so approached him again. He discussed options, now with disabilty issues, and agreed on TRAM flap. Has my pre-op, all OK, good blood supply, don’t smoke, a little overweight, but not much. Then out of the blue, he called me in and said he wasn’t prepared to do it, given my disabilty!!
Thankfully I have now transferred to a wonderful woman surgeon, who is sooo nice, and has suggested I have DIEP at another hosp (They don’t do it at mine).
If you want recon, keep fighting, as it is YOUR body, and they are wrong to keep putting you off. It is emotionally draining; I know!
Best of luck in your quest, and I hope to be able to have mine end of year.
I still get friends saying Why do you want it done??? Have they lived with just one breast??
Jax