Changing Consultant Surgeon?

Hi, I would feel the same if I had had that kind of treatment. My diagnosis was more or less the same as yours but without the second lump. My consultant at the time of my results from biopsy on 15 August was fully booked until Christmas but she just slotted me in with next available surgeon which was on 8 September. I didn’t mind who did the surgery, just wanted the tumour out. I actually saw the original consultant at post op appointment, not the one who did the op. I was told right at the beginning that there were a team of surgeons and I may see different ones. I was fine with this and can’t fault my treatment. I am not sure how quickly tumours grow but mine was exactly as yours and I had to wait 8 weeks for mammogram and scan after initial referral appt. This was because the Dr who examined me initially didn’t think there was anything untoward so booked me in for mammogram and scan at a later date. Had he been concerned I would have had it done the same day. Once they had diagnosed cancer I was terrified that during the 8 week wait for my scan the cancer would have grown and spread. This wasn’t the case so  I was relieved once it had been removed and hadn’t spread.  I do think if you are unhappy with this consultant I would have a chat to your Breast Care Nurse. Sometimes they can just tell you what the situation is and if you could try a different consultant. I do know from my area that Breast clinics are so very busy trying to catch up after covid lockdowns etc.  The waiting is the worst part but wish you luck.

Evajean xx

Hi Evajean, 

Thank you so much for your reply. It gives me hope! I'll try and speak to my BCN tomorrow, definitely. I hope your treatment is going well xx

I thought they had a 31 day target from diagnosis to treatment.  It is definitely worth asking about other list wait times.  I have been referred to another hospital for radiotherapy, had to wait a few weeks for the appt to see the new oncologist, then had the 31 days built back in.   I wish that there was a thread detailing wait times, private clinics and cost so that it is easy to weigh up that option x

Hi FlowerN  I have also had to change surgeon but it was due to one going on holiday. My first surgeon did the lumpectomy but I needed lymph nodes clearance under my arm so the second surgeon did it. Me abrupt but surgery went well and whilst I found the lymph nodes clearance very difficult Im recovering well and now have full movement. Stay strong 

There is a report in today’s paper saying lots of cancer referrals are missing their target times.It really is a lottery and so stressful if you are one of the one’s having to wait. 

Evajean x

I changed surgeon due to her holidays. She wasn't able to operate until 7 weeks after chemo and the oncologists thought that was too long, so I changed to someone that could operate at the optimal 4 weeks. I had an appointment with the new one prior to booking in just to make sure i was happy with the change.

It was not an issue at all as all of the MDT at the hospital knew my case so switching between surgeon was fine. I also saw two different oncologists and 3 different BCNs, but all knew my case very well.

Ladies, I value and thank you  so much for sharing your experience with me on this.  It gave me the reassurance I needed to call my BCN about it. I did earlier today and she was great. She apologised for how I felt was treated yesterday and assured me that at my biopsy results appt on 25th this month, they'll book the surgery date,  which she said will be before Xmas as " you've already waited some time". She said it'd most likely be with a different surgeon and that they'd also book me in for a prior appt with the new surgeon to make sure I was happy. I was so relieved and now feel better (to the extent that one can in this sort of situation !) .  

I just hope they actually follow through on this!

Thanks again, and I hope you are all coping OK whatever stage you are at on this unwanted journey xxx

I had a huge tumour (20cm)  and they knew I needed a full axillary clearance and I was told it would be done as soon as possible as it was urgent. My surgeon couldn’t do it for over a month so I accepted it being done by a colleague. It was done sooner but there were odd things - I didn’t meet the new surgeon until I got to theatre and she didn’t give me my results (which were bad) - I was sent straight to the oncologist to start chemo.  And it’s not cheat who is going to follow up even months later - my original consultant or the one who stepped in to do the surgery.  So yes, you can do this but hopefully you can ask the right questions and learn from my experience. The surgery was fine but I didn’t feel cared for or that I fit anywhere in the system which is making me anxious now my chemo/radio is coming to an end …

That is brilliant news. I am sure it will be done before xmas. To be honest, we don’t know any of the surgeons so it really doesn’t matter too much who does the op in my opinion. I do think we are all a little unsure about speaking up but so glad you did. Well done!

Evajean x

It is different here in US as we get to pick our surgeon etc.