'I thought I was a monster'

[davidc4430]

'I thought I was a monster': A Far North Queensland woman's six-year wait for breast reconstructive surgery

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-27/breast-cancer-survivors-agonising-wait-reconstruction-north-ql...

its about time reconstructive surgery was a part of the cure, not considered cosmetic. to be done as soon as possible after the masectomy.

no point fixing the cancer if the resulting chest area makes a woman hate herself.

[davidc4430]

i did say 'as soon as possible' for reconstruction, i dont want it done same day or anything like that.

if its 3 years after because thats how long it takes for all the stars to align for a woman fine.

but it should all be apart of the one deal..

was the mans ball(s) reconstruction part of the deal or an 'extra'?

[janeababe]

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@davidc4430 wrote:

i did say 'as soon as possible' for reconstruction, i dont want it done same day or anything like that.

if its 3 years after because thats how long it takes for all the stars to align for a woman fine.

but it should all be apart of the one deal..

was the mans ball(s) reconstruction part of the deal or an 'extra'?

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Any form of reconstruction is not part of any deal. All treatment for cancer is for removal of the disease only.

The reconstruction is optional and that's why it costs extra, or you are placed on a waiting list. It's cosmetic only. Not life saving.

I understand where you are coming from, and in part, I agree.... Cancer has a huge mental health impact, on women, men and children... but we cant just throw huge amounts of money towards the costs of reconstruction because it upsets some woman to see their own naked body. (or men, or children for that matter)
At some point, you just have to put your life into perspective... you just have to!

[azureline**]

In 1995 I had breast cancer, partial mastectomy, chemo, radiation, for a year. No health insurance, the best of care and no cost to me.

I learned to live with 1 and a half breasts, faithfully had a mammogram every year with a few extra tests now and again. I had my regular mammogram in September and was recalled.

They found a new cancer in the same side, so I had surgery on the 9th of October to remove the breast. Public patient, best of care, only cost was parking at the hospital for my many appointments.

Reconstruction is 9 to 12 months away as having had radiation previously, it will have to be my own skin and flesh used. In the mean time, I have to have the BRCA test, so if I have the mutation, it means the other side is removed.

I feel quite lucky to have been diagnosed early, to have the surgery so quickly and to be recovering so well, all under medicare.

So far I have not looked at the surgery area. I am just pleased to be alive

[janeababe]

@azureline

Oh ...

Im so sorry to hear that you have had to go through all that again, but pleased to read that you have come out the other side, with a positive outlook.

I had genetic testing done, it took them 4 yrs to find and locate the mutation, but since i had already chosen to have the bi-lateral mastectomy in the first place (as a precautionary measure due to my age and previous family history anyway), it didnt really affect my outcome.

Azureline, I wish you all the very best on your journey. Chin up and keep a positive outlook. Never give up, even when the going gets tough, and always remember that you made it once, you can make it again.

((((((HUGS)))))  feel free to pm me if you feel it might help

xxxxxxx Jane