Hi everyone,
My name is Lorna and I was diagnosed today with breast cancer. I have been told grade 2, but as the pathology isn’t back I don’t know the receptors yet. I am weirdly calm and positive. I have a bit of a complication in that I got breast uplift surgery with implants 13 years ago, and the lump is right on the edge of the implant capsule, so the surgeon will need to cut through the implant to fully remove it. I have private health insurance through work who have said they likely won’t cover the removal of the implant as it was done for cosmetic reasons even though to remove the cancer, they will need to remove the implant. I wondered if anyone had any experience on this type of thing. I also need an MRI as the implant is obscuring the view on the mammogram to the extent that the lump didn’t show on the mammogram, only on the ultrasound, so the surgeon wants to double check there is nothing else going on in my breast.
So that’s my tale so far. I hope you are all doing well, I just came across this site last night and was so touched by the supportive environment and everyone’s stories.
Love to all x
Welcome to the forum Lorna . Sorry you’ve had to join us but like you say this is a lovely supportive forum . Once you have your full diagnosis could you consider switching to NHS for the rest of your care ? Generally they are the same surgeons you have access to privately and personally I found the care I received really good . I know other people have switched between the 2 at various stages in their treatment .
You could also post about the surgery complication in the Surgery section of the forum. Let us know how you get on . Best wishes Jill.
Thank you so much for your reply. I would be more than happy to continue with NHS, so will check with my GP what best option will be. The only reason I went private is the current wait time for urgent cancer suspected is up to 12 weeks in my area and I didn’t want to wait that long not knowing.
I am learning such a lot just reading everyone’s posts, what an amazing community!
It’s a great place for support ,saved my sanity a few times ! You may well find your surgeon also works for NHS and can advise you on best options re treatment and waiting times .
Yes he works for THE nHS too but in a different health board area, but I have emailed my GP tonight for his advice.
Hi Lorna, this is a great forum, sorry I can’t offer any advice regarding your specific situation but I send you a virtual hug and all my best wishes.
Jane xxxx
Welcome to the forum @lola72
I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis and I hope that your GP can help you decide what is best for you.
Please do have a look through the various boards and topics to find those going through similar experiences or for places you may be able to share your experiences and knowledge.
This is a very supportive place, so please do ask any questions you may have.
Sending our warmest,
Lucy