Recon choices
Hi all. Im torn and need to make a decision by wed I have 2nd recon appt before surgery masectomy on 7th Aug. Im starting a new job role monday too. 3 month contract to prove myself. recon surgeon ...
Forum Discussion
I could be wrong but it sounds like you're being pushed a bit into having a recon @Megs04. And it's really difficult to make a good decision when you're anxious and stressed. There is absolutely no rush unless it's because you really can't deal with being flat. My surgeon actually refused to consider it until 15 months after my mastectomy (but I was going to be having rads) as he said that I needed to heal properly first. At that time he also said that he didn't want to do the other side. When I did go in for the May appointment, my skin still too tight but at that time he told me that he would do both when I was ready if I decided that the scanxiety got too much. And you only get one go at this surgery.
I don't know if I will ever have the recon. It is a major, major op and recovery is long. I do know though, that there is no deadline on having it - you can put it off for 10 years if you want to and even in the public sector it will then only be a few months on the waiting list. This has been reinforced by the speakers at the BCNA Conference yesterday and they are talking about the Adelaide experience (Flinders).
As I understand it, for a TRAM or DIEP (which is what I would also be having if I do) you will be at least 7 days in hospital. Then it is 11-12 week recovery. That's if it all goes to plan. Then you will probably have at least 2 more ops down the track for revision and nipples.
I don't want to put you off if it's what you really need to do - only you know how you're feeling, but I'm not sure if the impact of the operation has been well explained. Of course, I've never done it but it's hard to imagine that you will be fit to start a new job, particularly when you need to really impress, so soon after the surgery.
Whatever you decide to do, good luck and look after yourself.
I don't know if I will ever have the recon. It is a major, major op and recovery is long. I do know though, that there is no deadline on having it - you can put it off for 10 years if you want to and even in the public sector it will then only be a few months on the waiting list. This has been reinforced by the speakers at the BCNA Conference yesterday and they are talking about the Adelaide experience (Flinders).
As I understand it, for a TRAM or DIEP (which is what I would also be having if I do) you will be at least 7 days in hospital. Then it is 11-12 week recovery. That's if it all goes to plan. Then you will probably have at least 2 more ops down the track for revision and nipples.
I don't want to put you off if it's what you really need to do - only you know how you're feeling, but I'm not sure if the impact of the operation has been well explained. Of course, I've never done it but it's hard to imagine that you will be fit to start a new job, particularly when you need to really impress, so soon after the surgery.
Whatever you decide to do, good luck and look after yourself.