I don't understand!

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I don’t understand!

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I don’t understand! I am due my mastectomy (after chemo) in early June and I had my consultation with the surgeon last week.

I was hoping for a temporary (or permanant) reconstruction at the time, but was told that I will not be able to have any reconstruction until 6 months after the operation. Does anyone know the reason for this as most/ some seem to get immediate reconstruction?

I was also told that I will lose my nipple as the tumour is behind it. On the good news front the chemo seems to have helped reduce my lymph glands substantially.

I have said that I will so whatever it takes, equally I want to get back to normality as soon as possible and don’t want to have to pay (or my company health care) for a second unnecessary operation…

Any information gratefully received!

Kate

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Good luck Hi Kate

I am far from being an expert, but have you got to have radiotherapy? as I know they are reluctant to do reconstruction before this. I couldn’t have it again as I had it previously so was able to have immediate reconstruction.

I lost my nipple but have had one reconstructed and tattooed, although its not as good as the real thing I am comfortable with it. It all takes time though I had my reconstruction 18 months ago and I am only just having the tattooing done.

Hope your op goes well and keep posting to let us know how you are.

Take care.

Jan

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Likewise Jan I am not an expert.

I had my Mastectomy in January this year and was told that they would not do a reconstruction (if I had wanted one) for at least a year. Their reasoning behind this was that if I needed rads the reconstruction could possibly break down.

Hope you get on ok when you have your op.

Lynn

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Please refer to my rant posting! Hi Kate,

If you are not satisfied you are perfectly within your rights to request a second opnion.

Please check out my major rant posting.

All the best

Mrs Sxx

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Immediate Recon I had immediate tramp flap recon,(dec 06) but I didn’t need radiotherapy, just chemo.So if you are maybe this is the answer.

I had decided as soon as they said a mastectomy that I would have imm/recon, and the consultant never mentioned delays at all.
I ended up using my company private health care after carefully consideration, and had the op 4 weeks later. But by the sounds of the BC nurse I would have not been much longer on the NHS (but I did here someone quote they were told 3 months).

Maybe it goes back to postcode lottery, it might be upto the individual consultant/hospital.

I would certainly ask why if you are not having radiotherapy.

Good Luck
Judith