(Phew, at last I have found how to post to this new site – very confusing at first).
I had a mastectomy just over 2 years ago and I finally have my initial consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss reconstruction and reduction.
Has anyone got any advice on the questions I should ask the surgeon at this first meeting. I want to write some down as I am useless in these situations and get side tracked by what doctors say and often come out from appointments not having asked all the things I wanted to or not knowing really what to ask, and wasted an opportunity, and then a little way down the line I think…if only I had asked before… So ladies, can anyone give me some advice please…
HI Lienna
I had a mastectomy in 2007 and had a beckers breast inplant six weeks ago . I always write down key questions that I want to ask at all my appointments ,as my brain goes like jelly …not good.
I had an inital appointment with the surgeon and he gave me all the options which would suit me pros cons etc.
I asked to see some photos of the recon surgery he was offering me , just to see what recon breasts looked like.
I wanted to know the pros and cons , recovery times for each procedure . I asked where the scars would be for each operation.
I then had two months to think about things and then had a final consultation with my PS and then went on the waiting list . During this time I discussed options with the Recon Nurse Specialist , this emabled me prepare for my final consultation
One question that the surgeon asked me was to think about " how much surgery was I prepared to go through for a recon ?"
After much thought I went for the implant because of my breast size (34 b)and the fact that I was too scared to go through any long operations.
How ever , really pleased with the result.
hope this helps ,good luck
xxx
Hi Ladyinpink. Thank you for replying. Yes it is helpful, I especially need to give some thought to how much I would be prepared to go through. I do find the thought of a long operation scary, but am so unhappy about my body at the moment I think it would be worth considering anything, but I will wait and see what options I am given. I will also ask if they have a Recon Nurse Specialist as I haven’t heard of them before. So, thanks again for being helpful.