Hello everyone!
My first post here and I am reaching out for some advice.
I was diagnosed with Hert2+ BC and received adjuvant chemo for many months pre surgery.
Though the chemo worked well I am told I need a mastectomy yesterday which was a huge shock.
I could not stop crying in the appointment.
I am very distressed and freaking out as I was expecting a lumpectomy,but I would like a second opinion.
Does anyone have any experience of surgery or recommend any surgeons for a mastectomy and/or reconstruction?
At the following:-
The Royal Marsden Hospital-Dr Gui? Paul Harris(now left started own practice)
Christies Hospital
Whiston Hospital - been referred to have a chat about reconstruction Diep Flap?
The Royal Liverpool University Hospital - currently under
Also I am interested about peoples choice in reconstruction implants vs own fat cells DIEP etc and how they cam to the decision.
Thank you and best wishes to everyone Xx
Hi
My experience at The Royal Marsden has been excellent. You are treated as a person, not a number and everyone is a leader in their field. But most importantly, they listen to you- your fears, your requests, what you want and what you don’t. I had the option of lumpectomy or mastectomy and reconstruction, and I didn’t know what to do. They gave me time to explore both options, without pressure, speaking to various members of the team. All of the surgeons are first class and they have both male and female surgeons. If you have a preference they will accommodate it . The breast surgeons work in partnership with the plastic surgeons for mastectomy and recon so you are in good hands. You mention Gerald GUI in your post. Gerald is very experienced and has been at RM for many years. Similarly, Kelvin Ramsey is a very experienced plastic surgeon. My surgeon was Marios Tasoulis who I can’t recommend highly enough. But to be honest they are all excellent.
Sending you my very best wishes for your upcoming surgery. It’s a scary time for anyone going through it but honestly, it’s not as bad as you fear. You will get through it.
If I can help further let me know. x
Hi,
Its great to hear your experience was a positive one with a supportive team who treated you like an individual,allowing you time to explore your options and enabling you to speak to other members of the team to make the best decision for you.
Unfortunately my experience has been the opposite of that and I have no trust or confidence in my team.
I am panicking as I have been told I need an unexpected mastectomy in just a couple of weeks and need a second opinion with someone I trust for surgery too.
However I have not even had a chance to explore my surgical options such as DIEP or fillers and I am feeling so stressed and pressured.
I am told I am out of the catchment area for Royal Marsden for a referral so that leaves just private treatment.
I have no idea of cost and RM are advising me I will be told at appointment but the clock is ticking and I haven't got an appointment yet as I am still waiting for my medical documents requested from my hospital to scan over.
The RM also told me I could only have one appointment not several with different consultants.
I have narrowed it down to the following:-
-Geral Gui- Mastectomy
-Kelvin Ramsey - Reconstruction
-Kieran Power-Reconstruction
Any thoughts or advice?
I was wondering if you were private or NHS and did you have any options whom you saw for surgery?
Lastly do you know any costs of treatments?
Also someone recommended Katherine Krupa but think she is only in Sutton.
Incidentally I was looking at your surgeon Marios Tasoulis as well due to his research background which seems applicable to me.
Thank you for your advice and support it is much appreciated
Best wishes x
Hi. I’m so sorry you are having a difficult time and all of the stress that brings.
Firstly, you only need to see a breast surgeon for an appointment initially. They will talk through all of the options available to you. All procedures are available at RM- diep recon in the same op, implants and also other ‘flap’ options. All of this will be discussed with you at the initial consultation. The breast surgeon will then arrange for you to see plastics and you will have a CT scan to check all is suitable for a diep- if that’s the route you decide to go.
I am an NHS patient but familiar with the private services. My advice would be to decide which surgeon you want to see and then contact their medical secretary. They will advise you of the fee and get you booked in. If you have healthcare insurance you can obviously use that.
In terms of people on your list, Kelvin and Kieran are plastic surgeons. You need to see a breast surgeon first. Gerald Gui, Marios Tasoulis are both great- if you want a female surgeon Jenny Rusby or Rachel OConnell. Honestly, all of the surgeons are excellent.
I hope you get things sorted. Having a good team around you that provide expert advice that you trust, is key. Do let us know how you get on. Take care x
Hello,
Thank you again for your advice and taking the time to make things a lot clearer of the next steps as I did not know where to start.
I do not have health insurance unfortunately but I will get a loan or use a credit card.
You have really helped and I will of course let you know how I get on and likewise. A good team with expert advice that you have trust in is key I agree.
I am glad you had a good experience and I wish you the best in the rest of your treatment.
Best wishes x
I had my initial tests on 24.5.24 where at The Spire on the Wirral. All the staff we met were lovely. The consultant breast surgeon I saw was Mrs Claudia Harding-Mackean.
To give you an idea on costs, the consultation, mamogran and ultrasound, where band A £650 I also had a 3D mamogram included in that. Because I needed a biopsy it moved me from band A into band B which was £1050, the ultra sound and biopsy where carried out by the consultant radiologist. I can't fault them.
I was then transferred back to the NHS and had my surgery 24.6.24
Good luck x
Hi Redec,
Thank you for your message and giving me an idea of costs.
Sorry about the delay responding but just a lot going on right now for me.
I have heard of Claudia Harding-Mackean from a friend too.
It was a quick turnaround to surgery for you and It was good that you had a positive experience and I do hope you are recovering well.
Best wishes Xx
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