I had lumpectomy and biopsy of nodes (I think) on Monday. I thought I had met and discussed with the person who was going to do the surgery. It was cancelled for 8x days, then it happened on Monday. As my head has cleared I feel more surprised that the operation was carried out by a surgeon I met very briefly on the morning of the op. He didn’t really speak to me, just signing consent. The surgeon I had met twice seemed very skilled and had a great manner. But he didn’t do the actual operation. I have to go back next week for results, so now I wonder who I see then.
I expected a waterproof dressing on my surgery area, I emailed the BC nurse team and they replied this evening that there are two types. So I’ve figured mine is a no-shower type. This has irked me a bit too, as the surgeon I had met only talked about a waterproof dressing.
Does everyone get a random surgeon on the day? I never saw him after, so guess the operation went ok. Nobody came to see me after, I just left when I felt better.
Hi Naturaljazz
Sorry you had a poor experience…did your original surgeon go off sick maybe? Thats what happened to me…then I got the results from another surgeon over the phone ( in the depths of covid) …I had never met her or spoken to her … the alternative tho would have been a longer wait for results which would have been unbearable for me…they don’t put dressings on breast surgery at my hospital…just steristrips ( on top of internal stitches) …but if you were expecting something else I can see it would have been confusing for you …I did have a visit from surgeon whilst in recovery to say all had gone as planned…hope the rest of your treatment goes well
Hello @naturaljazz
Sorry to hear you are feeling like you have not been treated very well, unfortunately not all medical professionals treat the patient and appreciate the effects on you.
I started my breast cancer journey with having a core cut biopsy being performed in a way that was less than satisfactory, and I ended up submitting a complaint via the patient liaison service (all hospitals have one who you may wish to contact)
I suspect what happened is that one of your consultant’s team will have operated (my consultant told me at the start this may be the case so I was prepared). The surgeon who performed my surgery was a lovely lady and I was lucky as I was able to engage with her on the ward. I felt satisfied that I was in safe hands and that my surgery was a very common one she had done many times before (like you a lumpectomy and SNB). I don’t think that it is common for a surgeon to see you after this kind of procedure.
I can very much relate to being told to expect something and things not following that script (my BCN said I would be able to go home no matter what time I returned to the ward, I got back at 8pm the first nurse I saw said I was staying in, the second (who’d also had breast cancer) was my guardian angel and got me discharged at 10.30pm!
When you return for your results you should see your original consultant who is in charge of your overall treatment, I would expect that your appointment letter will tell you this but sometimes it is just not possible for them to see you.
Sending you lots of healing ?
AM xxx