I have had a flat mastectomy on right breast followiing the wound breaking down and the temp implant being taken out. I now have a start date for 6xFEC and wonderedd how long I am likely to have to wait for reconstruction after that. I will probably not be having Radiotherapy and don’t need Herceptin. I will see my consultant soon so will be able to ask him but just wondered if anyone knew.
Hello
I think this depends on waiting lists for which ever hospital you decide to use for your reconstruction.
I had my mx in May 2010 and then had 6 sessions of chemo. I then had an LD reconstruction (no impant) in October 2011. Mine is ongoing as I need a few fat filler procedures to complete the reconstruction.
i spend a good 8 months having various appointments with plastic surgeon before I was giving a date for op.
Good luck
Jude
I think it also depends on what sort of reconstruction you are having but I am not sure about that.
Yes I think you are right Lizdeb. More surgeons can do ld flaps than can do free flaps such as dieps so waiting lists will vary. Also lists are different at each hospital. One thing I would say is the pastic surgeons have no idea how long their lists are so ask their secretaries!
I had an eight month wait for diep surgery but know of others who have waited over a year.
Pam
Hi, before I had mastectomies in October 2010 I was told I would have to wait for a year before having reconstruction. I had an appointment to see the plastic surgeon in November 2011 and had the first part of the reconstruction done the following week! Still waiting for the next part though! I think that some surgeons leave it for a year so that everything has settled down and healed properly before the next lot of surgery. The wait is not nice and it is a relief to have it done eventually.
Hi Coachk,
After completing my treatment in November 2010 i was refered to a PS in April 2011. I got to see him on 1st July2011 and was put on his waiting list for a diep/tram flap reconstruction. I have just had my operation on the 5th July 2012 so Petal is correct in saying just a little over a year wait.
At times i thought that i would never get given a date and made several phone calls to his secretary during that time to check on my progress. She was very good in keeping me informed i have to say.
As you can see its early days for me but i am so pleased with the results so far. I know i have to have further surgery to my good boob, to ‘’ get a matching pair". I am guessing that will be another years wait too. It is a long hard road but well worth it.
Good luck with your chemo.
All the best.
A x
Hi
I had a mastectomy in Dec 2006. I didnt decide I wanted reconstruction till Dec 2009. I was referred to a Plastic Surgeon in Feb 2010. My appointment for Tram Flap surgery came through for Dec 2010. I was told I would get an uplift on the good side, but I am still waiting, as they say it is not an urgent matter. I think evey hospital is different, but phone the secretary as someone else said. It is very frustrating waiting for a date when you have your mind made up.
Good Luck
Carolyn x
I had mx in March 2011 with delayed recon due to Rads, and told in March 2011 that it would be at least 12mths following rads to let everything settle and skin to recover. I had Rads in Oct 2011, finished Herceptin on Monday and saw my surgeon yesterday as I was worried about waiting lists for the recon going forward.
I was told by my surgeon that when/if I decide to go ahead, they will have to do the op within 18 weeks (not sure if this is just my hospital/area as each can be different) He is prepared to do recon whenever I am ready or when is convenient for me (big op and recovery period) - I also need to decide if this is for me yet (had enough over last 18mths to be honest and need a breather after surgery/chemo/rads/herceptin/tamoxifen) I’ve still not made friends with prosthesis and still using the softie 18months on, my skin is in good health and mx has healed well, don’t want to jinx it and cause myself further possible problems.
I’m also going to see a second PS to get another opinion on potential routes forward for recon before I decide if it is for me.
Good luck to all
Bev
Bev,
I felt the same a few months ago. I couldn’t think too much about my recon. I was having Herceptin and feeling tired, low and worn out from the treatments. I finished Herceptin in May and can honestly say that I feel like a different person now. I have much more energy and feemy much brighter in myself. I saw my PS today and have a date if 8th October for a DIEP. I’m ready for it now. Bring it on, lol!
Lots of love xx
Thanks Lisa,
It is extremely encouraging that you’ve gained some energy back, I hope I find some too (and a bit more motivation) in a couple of months once the Herceptin works its way through, but Tamoxifen has it’s own quirks too, so still not sleeping through the night after 18 months now.
It’s great that you’ve got a date and not having to wait for too long and you’re ready to take the bull by the horns - I wish you good luck with it all. I’m sure I’ll get my head around it all and what it means, i’ll possibly be having an LD?? I think (back muscle and implant, not enough stomach material to use), need to read up on it a bit more I guess (once the Olympics have finished - I’m glued to the TV all of the time with it all, haha).
Thanks again, Bev.