Hi new to forum, I’m 58 and was diagnosed on 29th Sept with grade 2 invasive ductal carcinoma ER8 PR8 HER2 negative in right breast. Unfortunately my only treatment option is a double mastectomy (advised to remove left breast as precaution). Unable to have lumpectomy as I had Mantle radiotheraphy to chest wall for non Hodgkins lymphoma in 2002 and therefore cannot have radiotheraphy again (which in most cases is required after a lumpectomy)
I have now been referred to a plastic surgeon (appointment on 9th Nov) to discuss the procedure, I have opted to have DIEP flap based with reconstruction at the same time. Reason being I only want to have surgery once and although longer recovery time, do not want to have to do this again a year or so down the line for reconstruction.
My question is has anyone else had a double mastectomy with reconstruction at the same time and how long from 1st appointment with plastic surgeon to having the op? I appreciate that all NHS Hospital Trust waiting times are different, but just some sort of timeline would be good as currently unable to make any plans beyond 9th Nov.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, any advise would be welcome.