Reconstruction, Lumpectomy v Masectomy

Hi PaulaN, have just approved your application to join the Choosing Breast Reconstruction group so hopefully others who have had lumpectomies / partial mastectomies and reconstruction may be able to connect with you. There is no time limit on reconstruction, it may occur at the time of the mastectomy, or some months or years later. There are options for reconstruction after breast conserving surgery and you may be interested to read this section from the Reclaim Your Curves website:http//www.reclaimyourcurves.org.au/reconstruction-after-lumpectomy-or-partial-mastectomy.html. I would suggest speaking to a few plastic surgeons to fully understand your options, if you can. Bear in mind that most specialise in particular procedures, so it is often a good idea to talk to a few different ones. Some hospitals are, unfortunately, better than others in terms of supporting women through this process so you may need to spend a bit of time researching what you want and talking to others who have been through the process so you can get a good idea of what can be achieved. Some of us have needed to travel outside our area to pursue the options we need. You deserve to be treated with respect and supported to understand what your choices are and I'm sorry to hear that this has obviously not been the case for you. Jane xx

Thanks Rowdy

Hi sorry things are not good at the moment. As far as your mental health plan I think they can extend it and there is also cancer council that you can call and talk to someone. I'm always amused that some docs think
k that once the cancer is gone and active treatment finishes that everything goes back to normal. Talk to your docs and ask as many questions as you can ,your body is important to you and you are the most important person

Hi ScorpioQueen, I dont have a bc nurse & had my lumpectomy in March, I saw the Dr in Oct as I have a HUGE lump & the girl doing the ct said that I had a huge sarcoma & if it was drained I wouldnt have anything left. There's also an enlarged node which isnt showing cancer but I'm going to be having 3 monthly mamograms to keep an eye on it. On the emotional side of things I have found the hospital I went through to be useless. I had a psychologist thought a mental health plan but that is now finished. Im sure that when you reach a certain age (Im 53) they think body image doesnt matter

Hi Paula... I'm sorry you're feeling so low... Do you have a breast care nurse? You can talk to her about your thoughts on reconstruction.... If not your surgeon or GP should be able to help with options for reconstruction... I would also mention your depression I'd like to believe you can have a  reco but you will need to be assessed I imagine as it may depend on your skin, existing tissue etc? Wishing you all the very best....