Have they forgotten me?

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Hi ladies
Not been on the site for a few weeks as been enjoying life without chemo!
Prior to chemo, I had a WLE but the cancer cells had started to spread into the surrounding tissue, so I was told that I definately needed further surgery. Due to family Hx, I have opted for bilateral mastectomy. I saw my surgeon in the middle of December and was told that I would be having my surgery at the beginning of February. I have since been told that my op will be late February but I have not yet been given a date. I left a mesage for my breast nurse over a week ago but she has not yet got back to me. I don’t mind when my op is going to be but I just wish they could give me a date so that I could possibly go back to work in the interim. My friend who is a nurse said that I should phone everyday until someone gives me an answer but I feel like I’m being a nuisance.

Have they forgotten about me? Am I being irrational? What would you ladies do?

Thanks

Carly x

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Hi Carly

Well done for finishing your chemo - that’s one hurdle out of the way !

I would definitely hassle your BC Nurse - you’re not being irrational at all.

Get on that phone tomorrow morning, who cares if they think you’re a nuisance (which I’m sure they don’t!) - you need to get a date.

Let us know how you get on - we’re all behind you !

Good luck

Julie xxx

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Yes, definitely ring everyday until you get a date. I’ve found that admin sometimes isn’t great in the NHS. If you don’t get a response from the BCN then try ringing the switchboard and asking for the surgeon’s secretary and tell her how worried you are etc. Good luck!

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Hi Carly

Get on to them tomorrow, you deserve to know what’s going on, and you shouldn’t have to wait until people call you back.

I agree with the ladies above, you must be forceful with them and tell them that you are starting to worry.

Keep us posted

Cecelia. x

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Hi Carly,

I don’t have problems with my bc treatment as the nurse has always responded within 24 hrs to any problem, query. However I have had and still have, problems in getting seen in the gastro clinic for Crohn’s. I have found that by writing a letter to my gastro brings instant results. Hubby has similar problems trying to find a diagnosis for his walking problems. We wrote to his Neurologist and got an appt within a week for tests. I don’t know what it is about sending a letter, perhaps NHS rules dictate they have to reply within a certain period (they have enough targets, so guess this may be one), but it certainly has worked for us. Being a cynic, I think that telephone calls are not recorded so there is not a “trail”, whereas there certainly is a paper one. I copy my GP now on any letters to our various specialists, so there is no doubt. It might be worth a try in your case.

Good luck,
Liz.

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Thanks Ladies
I re-contacted my breast nurse and today I have found out that my operation will be 23 Feb. Yes, that’s right on a Saturday! My nurse told me that the breast surgeons are so busy. I already have my bag packed!!

Love Carly x

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good luck carly with yr op. i am having mastectomy and recon on 22nd at glasgow royal. where r u having yrs.

hope all goes well

maria