Resizing the other breast after lumpectomy

There seems to be some confusion as to whether having your good breast reduced to match what we are left with after Breast Conserving Surgery.   When you look at all the BCNA books they show lovely pictures of a breast with a small scar and no obvious sign of size difference.  I have mentioned this previously on this site, this is what the BCNA say about reconstruction.   

Access to breast reconstruction

Breast reconstruction following a mastectomy for breast cancer is considered a medical procedure, not cosmetic surgery. It is available in the public hospital system as well as through the private health system.

It should say following mastectomy or Lumpectomy or Breast Conserving Surgery.  In some cases we have a Lumpectomy but it should be called Partial Mastectomy, just which choice of words are used.

The first PS in Melbourne that I saw didn’t offer to do my reduction through the public system; his receptionist said they do not do reductions any more through the public system. I walked out of the rooms with a quote of $8,000 plus which didn’t include everything.  My hubby so desperately wanted to assure me that we could do it,  I felt guilty enough for the cost that cancer had already inflicted on my family that this was never going to be an option.  So me being me, I got into proactive gear and started making phone calls and sending emails.  I rang the hospital where this surgeon works and spoke to the Plastics Liaison Nurse, I explained my situation and she got angry that I was told the wrong information.  I then spoke to her several times because of mix ups with my paper work coming from private rooms to public hospital.  Anyway in the end I saw the PS in Dec, paper work put me on the public waiting list 14^th Jan, and because I spoke to PS Liaison nurse several times I told her I could be there at short notice. Got a phone call with a weeks’ notice and had reduction on 20^th June this year. 

I also saw a PS in Sydney who was lovely and happy to put me on his public waiting list, he admitted that it depends on Surgeon and what they put on the paperwork... But we as cancer patients are in a different situation and eligible to have this done through the Public System.

I did not have the support of a Breast Care Nurse.

This is only part of my story, I could ramble on but it is what it is. I am happy to share any info through private message if you need any assistance.   And am extremely happy with my reduced boob it looks fantastic.

Viv