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Single breast mastectomy - bad experience after the operation. I have no idea when I am supposed to go back or who to contact

AlexM
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Had a single breast mastectomy on Friday. Came out of operation at 11.30 am left in recovery till 7.45pm as apparently no beds even though others around me were taken to a ward. No spoke to me about operation at all. Sent to ward an literally just left there. Told I would have to stay in to take the drain out. I said I was told was going home with it before the operation. Oh well it’s not expertise so ok you want to go home. I said yes. Slung out the ward literally straight away and sent to departure lounge where I sat a line for 3 hours waiting for some paracetamol. Now at home and no idea when I am supposed to go back. Very frustrated.

Dont even know who I am supposed to contact

  • A very warm welcome to Cancer Chat AlexM although I'm really sorry to hear what happened after your surgery.

    I hope this information we have about what happens after breast cancer surgery and follow up after surgery will give you a better idea of what will happen next but if you were assigned a breast cancer nurse, do give them a call. Hopefully they, or your cancer team, will be able to tell you more and give you some much needed answers at this time.  

    We have a lot of members within our community who have had surgery for breast cancer, so I hope some of them will stop by soon to share their experiences with you but you're very welcome to talk to one of our cancer nurses about this on 0808 800 4040. Their phone lines are open Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m and they will do all they can to help.

    I'm sending you all my support AlexM and hope you're able to get the information and care you need to aid you in your recovery.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi AlexM,

    A very warm welcome to the forum. I am so sorry to hear abut your experience in hospital. It sounds as if your hospital was especially busy on the day of your operation, but this is no excuse for the way you have been treated. The tissue removed from your breast during surgery is routinely sent to pathology to ensure that your surgeon achieved clear margins. The results are usually back within 1-2 weeks. When they arrive back your surgeon will hold an MDT (multidisciplinary team) meeting to discuss the findings and debate the most suitable treatment for you. It is normal to receive a letter or a phone call giving you a date to discuss the findings after this.  Just a tip for future visits - it is always helpful to ask when your next appointment will be, or when your results will be back, before you leave a consultation. Dates can change for various reasons, but it is helpful to have a timeline for your own peace of mind.

    You should have been give a contact number for you specialist nurse at the time of your diagnosis. They are a good point of contact any time. You will usually find that you have to leave a message and the nurse will get back to you as soon as she can.  Failing all else, your consultant's secretary can also be a useful contact. They receive all the reports when they come back, so, if you don't hear anything for two weeks, you could phoe her for advice.

    I hope that you make a full recovery and that you hear back from the clinic shortly. Please keep in contact and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Thank you so much for your reply. I have finally got an appointment for next week. My breast cancer nurse does want me to complain officially about hospital treatment so when I feel less emotional I will do this. 
    thanks again 

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