Lumpectomy to mastectomy in 60 seconds

Hi Marnz, you are really getting the run around. I found that doing my own research for reconstruction was really hard, but in the end was worth it. I agree the doctors don't 'discuss' much. To fill in the gaps I found that the breast care nurse was invaluable. Even without having had surgery you should have access to them. I found really early on that no one was really looking out for me except me. They would have gone and done whatever recon they wanted rather than try to suit me. Sounds harsh but they are busy people and work to a routine. My initial surgery removed the IDC tumours but left high grade DCIS, I think this makes us in a similar situation now in that we are waiting for surgery. One breast surgeon said 3 months wait was fine, the other said 6 months is fine. Pretty scary waiting, but ok I reckon. I was terrified they'd separate the mast from the recon as I'm public, but instead they just put me in for both procedures within 3 months. My point being, that you are in a position that you should be able to push and get just what you want/need. Maybe insist on the referral being resent, or given to you. Take your recon ideas to your appointment, and push politely for what you want. If you don't get the response you need, go to someone else. I found the plastic who did the procedure I wanted and asked for a referral to them. I had an incredibly frustrating and upsetting time, but knew I had to push on to get the result I wanted, coz its my body and I have to live with it. Don't give up...stay strong and on track, jump up and down if you need to. Yes it's hard, but you can do it. You've got to look out for you. Take care, Louie