RCONSTRUCTION AFTER RADIOTHERAPY

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RCONSTRUCTION AFTER RADIOTHERAPY

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RCONSTRUCTION AFTER RADIOTHERAPY Hi everyone. I had a mastectomy in Nov 06 followed by four weeks of radiotherapy. I have an appointment to discuss reconstruction and was wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation. I am wondering when my surgeon will do the reconstruction - will I have to wait for a certain period before they can do it and will the fact that I have had radiotherapy affect the reconstruction and its success. I am probably going to have a LD flap reconstruction as this is the one my hospital does.

I really want the reconstruction and hope I do not have to wait too long.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Thinking of you all .

Sue

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Hi, I finished rads on 27th Feb this year. I’ve been told I have to wait for a year from the end of rads before I can have a reconstruction. I’ll be seeing the plastic surgeon in August this year to discuss options and would be able to go on his waiting list if I decided it’s what I want. At present I’m inclined to leave well alone but I have to wait anyway.

Geraldine

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1 year Hi Sue

Like Geraldine, I too have NOW been told one year after rads.

I am really peeved as at the start of this I was told one year after mastectomy and I had mine Dec 2005, but after 8 cycles of chemo and quite long waits to start chemo and rads this will be nearly 2 years for me. (finished rads 2.10.06)

I have my appt with the plastic surgeon 30.4.07 and am going to try everything to try and get recon asap.

Not sure if 12 months is general practice for every health authority you might strike lucky.

Debbie

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recon after rads - not waiting so long sue,

I have just had mastectomy and will be starting rads in a couple of weeks time (finishes end of May). My surgeon has said that she is planning to do my reconstruction in September with no mention of leaving it the length of time you have been told. She only mentioned that I may not feel ready by the time September comes and it can therefore be delayed and done when I want. . I do want my boob job asap. Even thinking about having the other one inflated a bit!!! Early days yet but it would be nice to have a present for myself after all this (had 2 x lumpectomies and the mastectomy within a space of 2 x weeks).

Karen xxx

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Thanks everyone Thanks for letting me know what is happening re your reconstruction and the timing of it all. I have my appointment in May so I am hoping to have news then. I will let you all know.

Love to you all

Sue

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Hi Sue,

I had bilateral mastectomy in Aug 2006, luckily I didn’t have to have chemo or rads, just tamoxifen and monthly Zoldex injections. I arranged a private appointment with the plastice surgeon to get it quicker which I had in October. He was lovely and said it would be between 6 and 9 months wait on the NHS or between £12,000 and £15,000 private. Opted for NHS as it would be with the same surgeon and he actually said that I shouldn’t be paying for the recon. Had a phone call from hosp last week saying that I could either change surgeon (original one is the top dog) and have the op this month (April) or wait until end of May and have original surgeon. Decided to wait as you only get one chance at this so why not have the best. I’m having the LD recon and so want it asap the waiting has been so hard, it’s all I can think about.

Hope all goes well with you Sue

I’ve found joining this site a real comfort and very supportive.

Please let us know of any developments and I’ll keep you informed of any developments with me.

Take Care
Kaz

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Thanks Kaz Dear Kaz,

Thanks for letting me know about your plans for reconstruction.
Let me know how it goes.
I will be thinking of you.
Love

Sue

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My plastic surgeon said she always waited for 6 months after radiotherapy before she would do the reconstruction to give the skin some time to heal.
She said there was no benefit to waiting any longer.
Kelley