Hi, I’m hoping that this might be the right place for this post and that a few of you may be able to share your own experiences of waiting for surgery / timescales?
My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2011 (at 28) and has since undergone a single mastectomy, chemo and radio. She received the all clear in January which was amazing news. Since then, she has taken the decision to undergo prophylactic mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. <!-- ?xml:namespace prefix = &quot;o&quot; ns = &quot;urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office&quot; / –>
We met with the surgeon in May who advised a 5 month waiting list and met with him again a week ago… Things seem to have ground to a halt and I’m enquiring about what is typical with this process? They lost one of many referral letters and a recommendation following assessments. We had been told in May that her surgery would take place before the end of the year. Now we’re told they’re not sure when, the waiting list is 5 months… <!-- ?xml:namespace prefix = &amp;quot;o&amp;quot; ns = &amp;quot;urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office&amp;quot; / –>
My sister has just turned 30 and wants to get on with her life. The decision to have her remaining healthy breast removed is one that has come easy to her. She wants to go ahead with this surgery to reduce further risk, regain some of her confidence lost fighting over the last 18 months and ultimately try to get on with the life a 30 yr old should be having (which I’m sure many of you can relate too). We are concerned that the NHS seems to be failing her now - even though we are overwhelmingly grateful that they have got her to where she is now = cancer free!
We do appreciate that this isn’t urgent, and really do realise that the urgent care and support should go to those needing cancer treatment, however any advice you can offer or experiences you can share are really appreciated? We feel like we’re the only ones facing the stress and anxiety of dealing with Drs /NHS process. While we want to remain patient and understanding, we don’t know where to turn next?
I’d like to add, having just found this forum/thread on this website “younger woman and families” I can’t really comprehend that this disease is effecting so many young women and offer you my very best wishes to you all. My sister and her friend (28 & 29) were diagnosed within 6 months of each other and are both thankfully well on the road to recovery (18mth/2yrs on). I wish you all the same outcome, stay strong and try to keep smiling - it’s so hard, but you really can come through this!!!
Thanks xxxx