Hi,
I’m looking for feedback on how long everyone had to wait to have their second surgery to replace the tissue expander with an implant. I’m being told that I’m now on a waitlist for ‘elective surgery’ that could take 12 months. Is this normal? I feel like I’m living in limbo and can’t even begin to recover or move forward until the second surgery takes place.
I’m in NSW. This is my second breast cancer after my lumpectomy and radiation in 2018. Both times DCIS
Seds01 I wish you all the best with a speedy time frame from your surgery. the waiting in this “game” can be very hard.
I had bilateral mastectomy and immediate recon surgery privately in Qld but have had complications and now recovering from my 4th surgery in a month to remove the implant in one side.
I will have to wait 3 mths minimum to be free of infection before it’s possible to see if it can be re-implanted or staged recon w expanders.
if you have time before your surgery, and it appears you do, I’d suggest finding a good physio or exercise physiologist who can help you with a programme pre op to help strengthen and stretch your chest muscles and generally prepare your body for surgery.
wishing you a smooth recovery.
Seds01 Sorry to hear that you’re in this “in-between” limbo stage. That uncertainty can be really difficult to sit with, especially when you’re waiting for more information or a clearer timeframe.
In the meantime, we wanted to share some information that may help explain why wait times for delayed breast reconstruction can vary, and what factors may influence those timeframes:
Mastectomy with delayed breast reconstruction
Timing of breast reconstruction
It is entirely appropriate to ask, “Where am I on the waiting list?” rather than simply being advised that you are on one. Waiting times can vary between hospitals and across different states and territories, so your treating team or hospital booking office may be best placed to provide the most relevant update.
Please reach out to our Helpline if we can support you further 1800 500 258.
Dear oh dear! 12 months seems a long wait!
I am in Victoria, a private patient. I had a hiccup along the way and my implant surgery was delayed but having said that, it was 3 months once completed.
Best wishes and hopefully the time goes quickly and or shortens
