State of the Nation - Question waiting times

I waited two years after my mastectomy in 2011.  I am in Cairns and went private as at the time there was no public plastic surgeon in Cairns.  I actually asked for an immediate reconstruction but was told by my breast surgeon that as my recurrence was only 6 months after completing all active treatment (lumpectomy/chemo and radiation) that it was more urgent to heal from mastectomy and have more chemo. It took me 6 months to get into a private plastic surgeon after finishing my chemo. I then was not well enough for the surgery for another 6 months.  I had my double TRAM flap (incliding prophylactic mastectomy) surgery at Cairns private hospital.


On another note I am working with a lady who is not a BCNA member (trying to convince her to join).  She is in the public system at Cairns Hospital and had a double mastectomy 2 years ago and was not offered immediate reconstruction.  She has just found out that even though she asked she was not on the waiting list for reconstruction.  She has now been told it is a SEVEN year wait!

Paula

I had immediate reconstruction with my bilateral mastectomy using tissue expanders 20 days after seeibg a breadt surgeon with diagnosis. They 3/4 filled my teardrop shaped ones and used a dermal matrix sling so I awoke with breasts. The surgeon didn't want to see me until after chemo. As I live 500k away he was conscious of this. I had an appointment 1 week after chemo and had my last expansion. I then had an appointment 3 months later to review and set date for surgery. 90 days set..but it will be 120. So from mastectomy to final will be 14 months. I must say though I believe my healing will be better now and it has given me time to lose the gained 20kg prior surgery. So important when doing the final implant changeover and adjustment.  I did see the surgeon 3 monthly in this time and was given information of what would be happening next at each appointment. 

Hi, I had a nipple sparing mastectomy on 1//8/16 at Pindara Private (Gold Coast) with an immediate silicone implant.  Had the option of going up a cup size with an expander but wanted it over and done with quickly and am happy with my decision.  

@iserbrown oh Wow! Im a Private Patient also at Freemasons :) Ive been going there for 6yrs and see Craig Murphy so had 2 surgeries there as private...he told me not to go private for this one though as he and Dean Trotter work out of The Royal Melb and said Id have no out of pocket public. 

Hi!  I'm from Victoria, private patient, Hospital was the Epworth Freemasons in East Melbourne and I had immediate reconstruction.  Had discussion with breast surgeon giving me the final diagnosis and he suggesting surgery the next day but I talked my way out of that to catch my breath so 5 days later, mastectomy and expander put it.  Had a hiccup along the way with an infection (topical) changeover surgery to permanent implant was 5 months from mastectomy instead of 3 months. 

Thanks @melclarity this is great news - and good luck for the 27th!

Hi! Im Melinda and Im in Victoria and having Mastectomy/Diep Flap Reconstruction in the Royal Melbourne Hospital on Monday 27th Feb. I was placed as Category 1 which is immediate within weeks, due to a recurrence within 4yrs, but due to Christmas I chose Category 2 which was 90 days and its spot on since booking.