"Comfort and support throughout breast surgery and reconstruction"

I am a little late to be providing this feedback but hopefully it can be forwarded to the appropriate ward.

I received a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction a couple of years ago at Maroondah Hospital. My surgery took 15 hours and was a joint procedure by plastics and breast surgeon.

I wanted to commend the surgeons, the nursing staff and Allied Health staff on assisting me with my recovery - both before and after the procedure. I had amazing counselling from the psychologist and breast care nurses both before and after the procedure. My stay was as comfortable as it could have been and I even liked the food! I had a few complications which affected my mobility following surgery, but the physios got me up and moving as soon as they could - which I attribute to my quick recovery. I had great after care from the Post-Acute Care team coming out to look after my drains, and from physio and Occupational Therapy providing me with the necessary equipment to help as I recovered at home.

This was my first surgery, and I went on to have 3 more surgeries - to be expected after this sort of surgery. Every time I want to especially mention the theatre staff. I was reassured throughout my journey - to the point that my husband had to ask me if I was nervous or not. Not at all thanks to these wonderful staff. 

My only issues during my journey were:

1) Coming into pre-admission a week before surgery, having organised both work and childcare, to be told my operation had been rescheduled.

2) My room was next to drug room - which meant being kept awake by the banging of the door late at night and early morning drug rounds.

3) Whilst my operation isn't a routine operation, having a large number of doctors come in on rounds to look at your breasts became a little invasive (sometimes up to 5 doctors in the room!). I was only asked on a couple occasions if I minded the number of doctors that came in. Appreciate they need to learn but every day?!

4) Outpatient wait times - waiting for 4 hours to see my surgeon in outpatient clinic was a nightmare.

But these issues are offset by the fact that I now don't need to worry about breast cancer - as I have for so long. Thank you Maroondah theatre, medical and Allied Health teams.