Mr Rhodes's secretary rang me a week and half before the op date (was due 28th April) to say it had to be cancelled as Mr Rhodes had a couple of emergency cases come in so I would have to wait for them to contact me with another date which they said they didnt know when it would be or how long I would be waiting as Mr Rhodes was quite busy for next however many months. At the time I was quite annoyed about it but turned out for the best really because the secondaries wouldnt have been picked up.
I was under Anne Raine but as she is retiring I have been handed over to Dr Bradley. He seems nice enough but to be honest I prefer Anne. She has been fantastic. She has signed a DS1500 (I think?) form so that I can get DLA and has completed the medical forms for my Life Assurances so that I can claim my life insurance under the Terminal Illness clause.
I am envious to you ladies that have had or are due your recons, I hope you get the results you are looking for and are happy with them.
Hi Gill, We must have spoken before. I am a teacher from B! Sorry but i have a terrible memory and just can't hold all the information i should. Glad you liked the pictures. they were taken nearly a year after my reconstruction and my tummy scar is much better now. I had my reconstruction in May 2006 and had to wait 3 months for the next op. I had a slight adjustment to my new breast, my other breast was lifted and a quarter of that nipple was used to form the new nipple. This took 2 hours and was done under a local anaesthetic! It was bizarre lying there chatting away to Elaine and the nurses. Having no GA meant i felt completely fine and went home a few hours later. I had a week off work but only to make sure i didn't bump into anything!. I know you must be nervous but i'm sure, if it goes as well as mine did, you'll be fine and find it a very positive experience. Good luck. Kelley
Hi Julie I live in Wibsey. Ive been under DR Bradley since June07 and still see him often as still on herceptin till Nov08 I have found him really lovely, but i understand you get used to your consultant its a shame she is retiring. Ive been reading this forum since dx in April07 but dont often post as not too good with words.
Hi Janet I first saw surgeon in August last year he then sent me away to think about it and then I saw him again in October. The actual surgery was 15th April this year and I am now fully recovered. It was a 7 hour operation and I was quite sore at first but the time soon passes and you soon feel a whole lot better. As far as the hospital and the care I cant speak highly enough, I was in a 6 bedded ward but Mr Grahams patients who have diep are put in a side room as they have to be kept very warm, you are not put in high dependency wards. You will have to see the breast nurse (Tina) at Whiston and she will explain everything to you. I had my mastectomy in Dec 06 and I am really glad I have now had the reconstruction done I feel whole again. Good luck with your decision and if you have anything further to ask I will try to help. Julie
I am on Mr Graham's waiting list for the DIEP. I previously agonised over having to wait for this versus a quicker tram flap offered by my cancer surgeon. However, having researched both can see that the DIEP is the better option in the long run. It seems he is the only surgeon in the North West who currently does this - unless anyone knows better! It's wierd relying on one person to do this - I just hope he's fit and well by the time my name comes up for the op! Tina is his nurse and is lovely - really helpful and supportive. Good luck! Thanks Julie for the info about the ward at Whiston and would welcome any other tips about how to prepare for the surgery - due Sept/Oct.
Thanks Kelley. Am off to pack now as I'm admitted tomorrow at 2pm, Have been told op will begin at 8am Friday. thanks for all advice and tips.Will post when I'm discharged and let you know how it went. Just feeling a bit apprehensive but also very excited now!!! Can't wait to feel like a real woman again! Love Gill x