Hi all,
Had mastectomy June 06 and wanted to have recon as soon as possible after. Couldn’t have at time of op as would be having radiotherapy after chemo. I keep getting different info though as to when I can have recon. Was told at the end of radiotherapy that nothing could happen for 3 months post radiotherapy but doc would write to surgeons to let them know I was keen to have as soon as possible At annual checkup in June, doc said I would need to wait 2 years post radiotherapy (which finished end December 06) before I could have recon, but again said he would write to surgeons. Very disappointed to hear this as I want all treatment done and dusted this year. I now have an appointment to see plastic surgeons on 2nd September - I know waiting list is 6 months that’s assuming I can have this op. Just wondered how long others had to wait, post radiotherapy.
Also still confused as to the options - there seem to be so many. Am finding that lots of people can’t seem to understand why I want to go through another big operation but I just don’t feel right so lopsided - am large chested and always have been - still hate seeing myself in the mirror even though I’ve heeled very well.
Anyway, interested to hear others’ stories…
Dear TwinMummy,
this is my first posting on this new site so hopefully it’ll work!
I can understand you being very keen to get your reconstruction dealt with asap. I do know that they usually advise at least 6 months to a year for surgery after having had radiotherapy. I finished radiotherapy over a year ago and am currently on the waiting list for a DIEP.
It can be very difficult coming to a decision about what to do and yes, some people don’t understand why we would want to go through another operation but you’ll know what’s best decision for you so hang on in there and just get as much info as you can about all the options. For me, ironically, the time factor has been the best thing as having waited for over a year, it’s helped me to decide that it’s what I really want to do.
Take care and all the very best with whatever you decide to do XX
Hi Everyone,
My mum was diagnosed at the end of May and had a mastectomy and latissimus dorsi (back flap) reconstruction (as her Plastic Surgeon, wouldn’t put in a implant till after she had her radiotherapy), both at the same time on 13th of July.
She will be receiving chemo and radiotherapy, as well as hormone treatment.
She will go back after treatment as she requires a reduction on her other breast. But her Plastic Surgeon was really, really good! She had said if she didn’t get the reconstruction done at the time of the op, then she wouldn’t have got it done! She was hospital for 11 days after the op, but it seems to have been the best thing for her to have done! We know that she will get her reduction after treatment finishes.
I know at the hospital in Glasgow, where my mum had her op that all the Plastic Surgeons, do it differently.
I don’t know if this helps you out a bit!
xxx