i dont post very often but read up on whats going on. I need to ask your opinion/advice.
I was due to have my reconstruction today, but after seeing my surgeon this morning at 07.30am he has decided to cancel and completely go back on his word. Here goes
I went to see my surgeon in February this year with a view for possible reconstruction. He knew I was still on Herceptin but said that because I was going to be near the end, it could be put on hold,(I would only have 2 more to go) he also advised me to stop my Herceptin 2 weeks prior to surgery. I have done everything he has asked me to do. I get all worked up for my surgery this morning, go into hospital, see the anethiastist (sorry can’t spell), sign the consent form, they even draw on me!!! and then my Surgeon asks when was the last time I had Herceptin, I said 1st June, he says thats not long enough it needs to be a 4 week gap and then he goes on to say he wants me to wait until I have finished my treatment. This same surgeon then asks me why would I want to delay my treatment?, when in actual fact he was the one who suggested it, he has not accepted any responsibility whatsoever and made me feel like I should be grateful that it is being delayed. He was told right from the start about my ongoing treatment, I even have copies of letters which he sent to my doctors stating he was happy for my treatment to be delayed. After speaking to my BCN and Oncologist who are gobsmacked that this has happened I now have a new date for 2 weeks time, (although my Surgeon did kind of try and push me to wait til August)my question is has anyone had anything like this happen to them?, I feel really angry about this, my Husband had taken 2 weeks off work (and it’s not easy for him to get time off work), I arranged childminders to have our 3 kids for the week I would be in hospital (as my husband is away til Thursday), I cancelled our family holiday to Florida, this was because I was initially given 2 dates, 24th May or 14th June, My daughter was dancing in a competition in Holland, so I wasn’t going to take the May date and I thought that if I didn’t take the one in June, how long would I have to wait for the next date, (bearing in mind that I didn’t want it to be near the end of the year, this of course was my decision and I chose to cancel my holiday, but my argument is that ny Surgeon has known since Feb about my ongoing treatment and then this morning acts like we never even had that conversation. I really do feel that something needs to be done, it won’t help me now but what about those for the future. The specialists out there need to be telling us exactly what the so-called time scale is, incidently my Oncoligist spoke to a colleague at Mount Vernon, who hadn’t heard of the 4 week gap. Sorry for the rant ladies, but I have done nothing but cry all day today, and now I just need to let it of my chest!!!
Hi
I can’t imagine how angry you must be feeling. I am so sorry you have been let down by this surgeon. It makes me wonder what planet they are all on sometimes - and why they can’t communicate (some of them anyway).Many commiserations on having all your plans messed up… I hope tomorrow is a little better.
Hugs
Maggyx
I really feel for you, that is dreadful. I got myself really worked up prior to my recon in Feb, it was a really big deal, and I don’t know what I would have done if it was cancelled.
All I can say, is best wishes for two weeks time, I hope you can make new arrangements with your husband & children.
Carole I am so sorry that is absolutely terrible! There must be some system in the hospital to complain and I think you definately should. Can’t believe he has put you through so much. Wish I could help but sending big hugs you poor thing what a horrid day.
Many thanks for your messages, It is absolutely shocking, I have calmed down since then. I did receive a copy letter which was addressed to the surgeon from my oncologist, it states that they do need to get together and decide what time gap they want, this can’t happen again!!!. I will complain, but after my Op, I still have to go under my surgeons knife, and I don’t want him doing an Edward Scissorhands on me LOL. I am going in on Monday, and really really can’t wait, Naz, oh wow you had yours Monday, how are u feeling, what did you have done??
Hi Carole
I still think you have been treated very badly by your surgeon. At the end of the day they should know what treatments you are on and what the time gap is…to be told on the day that your surgery isn’t going to happen…well i am gobsmacked!
I had my tissue expander removed (thankgod…it was ugly!) and a permanent implant put in. It is quite brusied and swollen at present, but i am hoping it will be an improvement on how it looked previously!
Then at a later date, i am going to have the other side lifted and an implant inserted to even me out.
All the very best for your surgery…will be thinking of you.
Just thought I would let you know I have had my recon,28th June, omg very pleased with the results. Still a bit sore but this is mainly in my back and the surgeon said it is where I have been layin on the operating table for so long. I am feeling better by the day I just wanted to ask you all, The surgeon told me to walk with a hunched back so as not to stretch the tummy,which I have been doing, but how will I know when I get walk a little straighter and scared that if I try to soon I will do some damage, can anyone give me some advice and also roughly how long was your recovery ie, when did you start going out etc. I’m not going to push myself but at the same time don’t want to be just sitting here when in theory I could/should be ablt to do more.