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Reggie3
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Re: DCIS - Breast marker missed in initial surgery
Just wanted to update you all on this one. I made a complaint to Ahpra about the Doctor involved, the medical board has taken regulatory action against this practitioner. Unfortunately the outcome of the notification I made is not available publicly so cannot name him in this forum. I made the complaint to ensure no other women would suffer the same outcome as I did. Thank you to all those who commented and encouraged me to speak up.14Views0likes0CommentsRe: DCIS - Breast marker missed in initial surgery
Update So it got a bit more serious 😥 the 2nd biospsy showed high grade DCIS at 6 o'clock. Because it was multifocal I uderwent a nipple sparing mastectomy and reconstruction on 10 Feb. There was a positive margin from the mastectomy so I'll require close monitoring but will not need any further treatment. I'm doing OK but the whole situation could have been handled so differently which would have avoided the major stress and anxiety I have suffered. My advice to anyone out there that is not happy or has concerns regarding their proposed treatment or diagnosis is to please seek a second opinion. Go with your gut instinct if it doesn't feel right then it probably isn't. A second opinion may save your life!10Views6likes0CommentsRe: Upcoming masectomy
Hi Kell I've just had a NSM (left breast) on 10 Feb and I'm very happy with the result, psychologically I think this is a better option if it is possible for your circumstances. You have surgery and wake up with a new boob that looks similar so the shock factor isn't as bad. I still have nipple sensitivity not the same as before surgery but improving slowly. If you can keep the nipple I would try but in the end it comes down to your choice and the risks involved. It's good that you have the time to research your options you need to be confident with your decision. All the best.21Views1like0CommentsRe: DCIS - Breast marker missed in initial surgery
Update So I sacked my surgeon I just couldn't stomach the thought of him coming anywhere near my body. I cancelled today's surgery. Told him bluntly in writing that I was unhappy with the standard of care I received, got a fluffy response! I got a second opinion and have just come home from a further ultrasound and biospsy from a different area on the left breast at 6 o'clock x seven core samples, this should have been done before initial surgery like OMG! I go back to new specialist early next week he is so lovely and really looking out for me and thorough. The pathology results from today will determine the surgery treatment plan. I must commend the breast cancer care nurses for organising the second opinion and supporting me at the appointment. I am also so grateful for the BCNA nurse counsellor for her support and advice. And finally all of you for your kind words, support and encouragement to stand up for myself I couldn't have done this without you. The saga continues I will be pursuing the legal route when I have a bit more energy and have sorted my health. This isn't the end of this journey unfortunately so I'll keep you all posted.8Views0likes0CommentsRe: DCIS - Breast marker missed in initial surgery
Louise64 thanks for your comments, I'm so frightened that firstly they get the correct tissue and that if the margins aren't clear this time around then I will have to have a third surgery. I did go back to the specialist last week for a chat but probably didn't ask the right questions. I took my daughter along to the appointment and she felt that he skirted around them. I have had friends who have used this specialist and have been very happy with the results. It's obvious something seriously went wrong with my surgery and I will be seeking legal advice (medical negligence surgical error) when I finish my treatment with him. I will be asking for the hospital reports and all relevant paperwork when I get confirmation from the pathology that they have got the DCIS. If I had time on my side I would be getting a second opinion and changing specialists, Canberra is a small place and the breast surgeons know each other. I was told that they would probably be reluctant to take me on and clean up someone else's mess. I would assume it would be in his best interest this time around to get it right! I will give everybody an update on 22 January when I go back to see him for the results from the surgery scheduled for this Thursday.7Views0likes0CommentsRe: DCIS - Breast marker missed in initial surgery
Update - so I went and saw my GP this afternoon, he could not understand either why the DCIS and marker were missed, in his words 'highly unusual'. He did say that I should have surgery on Thursday with the same surgeon, given that I was diagnosed in late November time is ticking by and it is best to have it removed ASAP. My GP has recommended a lot of women to this surgeon and none have had any issues. If I go with another surgeon it could be another month away before I have the surgery and I would need to start the process all over again :-( Financially I can not afford to go private with someone else and pay another gap fee. I have spoken with a BCNA nurse, ACT Breast care nurse and also a cancer psychologist this morning. All are saying to me that it is a very unusual occurrence and agree that something is not right with the situation. I will be asking some serious questions after the surgery is completed of the surgeon, but at this point in time the most important thing to do is to have it removed. Thank you everyone for your advice and support.11Views6likes0CommentsRe: DCIS - Breast marker missed in initial surgery
Thank you Emma17 you have given me the confidence to stand up for myself. Good on you for firing one of your treatment team. Sorry you had to go through that, it's hard enough as it is, but so not satisfactory when you have to address those sorts of concerns it just adds more stress.28Views2likes0CommentsRe: DCIS - Breast marker missed in initial surgery
Dear noosa_blue150 No I didn’t need to have the dye injection (sorry you did I’ve heard they aren’t that nice), I did ask at the initial consult if he would be using the fine wire to locate the lump and he said that he used other methods u/s. When he told me that I needed surgery again because the clip and lesion where missed I did ask again if he would this time be using the fine needle to locate and he said no it wasn’t necessary! Like OMG you missed it the first time! My DCIS is presenting as a 1cm mass so I don’t know why it was missed. Anyway I will be asking those questions tomorrow when I visit my GP. I’m feeling that I should change surgeons but I’m already $2,500 out of pocket, he isn’t charging for anything for my scheduled surgery on Thursday but that’s not much consolation, two generals anesthetics in three weeks is not great. Cheers89Views1like0Comments
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Choosing breast reconstruction
PRIVATE GROUP. Choosing breast reconstruction after single or double mastectomy can feel overwhelming, and deeply personal. This group is here to connect you through others' stories and images. Please respect everyone’s privacy—do not copy or share content outside this space. Information is based on personal experience and is not medical advice; always consult your healthcare team for guidance. ⚠️CONTENT WARNING⚠️ Members may share photos of breast surgeries. These images or discussions may be distressing or triggering for some. If you need support, please contact the BCNA Helpline - we are here for you.
