My breast cancer journey was 2015 & I’m keeping my fingers crossed that all will be well in 2016.
I’ve been living in New Zealand for the past 8 years so had all my treatment here. Although treatment here was great & was all paid for within the public health system I am feeling pretty isolated and homesick for the type of support you can only get from family. My next step is reconstruction and I was wondering how long the waiting list would be if I decided to return to the UK. I will probably settle back in the Brighton area. Can any one give me a ball park idea of waiting lists for reconstruction. I am trying to weigh up whether to wait it out here. Many thanks & Happy New Year!!
I am sorry to hear you are going through this anxious time and I am sure some of our users will be along soon to share their experiences.
If you would like to talk you can call our overseas helpline at (+44) 20 7620 0077 who will be able to talk to you about waiting list times. Unfortunately we are unable to offer this helpline for free from overseas.
Hi there, I went to see my plastic surgeon last night to discuss DIEP reconstruction and he told me the waiting list is over 3 months. This is a London hospital although I now live in Hastings (I decided to keep my breast surgeon when I moved to ensure continuity of care). He told me I am not a priority because I had my mastectomy 2 years ago and women who have cancer and are having mastectomy with immediate reconstruction are prioritised. I’d guess tge waiting lists vary considerably in different parts of the U.K. Still, I’m going to push for an earlier date as I need to return to work by September. I don’t see why you couldn’t get an idea of waiting lists for individual uk hospitals before making a decision. You are permitted, after all, to have your treatment in the hospital of your choice.
Hi
Im one year post mastectomy and I’m in Hampshire. informed when I went in to the list earlier this year wait would be 6 months but 4 months later I got a phone call asking if I would like to take a cancelation spot and I go in on Wednesday.