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Mastectomy & Reconstruction under COVID rule

clm
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Hi all. 
 

I am wondering if anyone has any information on current reconstruction vs delayed reconstruction vs forced no reconstruction due to COVID.

 

My mum has just been diagnosed with lobular breast cancer, her tumour is 8cm x 6cm and she is scheduled for a mascetomy. 
 

At her initial consultation the doctor said that she would unlikely be ineligible for a mascetomy/reconstruction simultaneous surgery under the current Covid guidelines, however, she could have a delayed reconstruction.
 

She was then told at her appointment on Friday that they are no longer offering delayed reconstruction. She is now faced with the possibility of having a mascetomy with no reconstruction which is giving her severe anxiety as she has a very large chest and is only 48. (My Nan had breast cancer previously and opted for mascetomy & no reconstruction so we are aware of how difficult life can be with the prosthetics and my mum really doesn't want that for herself). 
 

Any thoughts on what she can do? 

  • Hi clm,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. Firstly I'm sorry to read about your mum and I can understand this is a very difficult situation.

    While I'm not able to advise, my reply here will boost your post so more people will see it and hopefully you'll receive a reply soon.

    You may also wish to speak to one of our nurses if you think it may help to talk it through - if so, you can reach them on 0808 800 4040 - Monday-Friday, 9-5.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi

    What you've been told sounds very suspicious, as far as I'm aware hospitals have to offer reconstruction if its what the patient wants.  I'd suggest that in order to get 'the facts' that you speak to McMillan who I have found really helpful throughout my cancer journey and if your hospital just aren't playing ball you can raise the issue with the PALs (patient liaison group) at your hospital.

    I get that things are being delayed more re CV19 but that shouldn't mean they won't be happening at all.

    Is it an option to go to another hospital?

     

    Good luck & be prepared to be tenacious!

     

    Sam

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    Hi Clm,

    I am not a doctor, but as far as I know everybody is entitled to have reconstruction, unless there is a medical reason why this is not in the interests of the patient.

    As Sam has suggested, please check with MacMillan or one of the nurses on this site (their contact details are at the bottom of this page).

    I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 11 years and had very large breasts. Unfortunately, despite having a bilateral mastectomy, I was unable to have reconstruction for medical reasons. Don't be put off by your Gran's experience. My Mum had breast cancer 22 years ago and prostheses have improved dramatically since that time. There is just no comparison between what she had and what I have had in the past 11 years. I have a range of different prostheses for diferent activities and cope well with them.

    I sincerely hope that you can get this decision overturned. Please let us know how you get on. we are always here for both of you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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    Thanks all! 
     

    We had an update which clarifies things. 
     

    In a pre-Covid world the waiting list for delayed reconstruction was so long (approx. 2 years) so they stopped offering it. This meant that patients had the option of reconstruction at the time of mascetomy or no mascetomy. 
     

    However, because of Covid they have re-opened the delayed reconstruction list as there were limited reconstruction at times of mascetomy spaces (although with the new lockdown reconstructions will not be going ahead at all so everyone who chooses to have reconstruction will be having it delayed). 

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