When Ivie McLeod had her mastectomy, she was told she would be on the waiting list for reconstructive surgery in two years.
She knew it wouldn’t be forever, so she didn’t worry about the wait time.
But last month, McLeod was shocked when he received a letter saying he wasn’t on the waiting list for surgery or even scheduled an appointment with a specialist.
McLeod, 38, was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2020.
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A mother of two, she was already struggling with her health after being diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, which causes pain throughout her body.
“The hardest part about being a mother is that I always want to put my kids first, so things like that happen,” she said.
McLeod battled through six months of grueling chemotherapy, but at the end of it was told that although the tumor had shrunk, it was still pressing against her chest wall and that she would need a mastectomy.
“I knew that a mastectomy would be life-changing, so deep down I was hoping that I wouldn’t have to have it.”
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When McLeod had his left breast removed, five of his seven lymph nodes were removed. She currently has lymphedema and wears compression sleeves to keep her swelling down.
It was life-changing, and while it may have saved her life and she may have been grateful, McLeod also felt it was “bloody ruined.” rice field.
At the time, she asked her surgeon if she could have a reconstruction done at the same time as the mastectomy, but was told no because she would still need radiation therapy.
“I said I didn’t think I could do it, and she said don’t worry, we can rebuild it.”
“From the time I had my mastectomy, I knew it was going to be two to three years.
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McLeod wears a prosthesis that is individually adjusted to resemble the shape and weight of her other breast, but she says it needs to be constantly readjusted.
She had surgery in May 2021, but it took McLeod a while to come to terms with the changes.
“I am only 38 and just want to look and feel normal again.
Two years later, McLeod was finally referred by her primary care physician to the Hut Valley Hospital’s Plastic Surgery Services for reconstructive surgery.
Three weeks ago she received a letter in the mail.
“Your referral has been reviewed by a specialist, but based on the information in your referral, we are unable to offer you a reservation,” the letter read.
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Prior to the mastectomy, McLeod underwent six months of chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy.
Hospitals must limit referrals to the most urgent patients.
Jamie Duncan of Te Watu Ora Capital, Coast and Hat Valley Interim Leading Hospital and Professional Services said he understands the frustrations and sympathizes with those affected.
“Like other districts, we continue to face continued pressure on hospital and professional services.
“All decisions regarding surgery or postponement are made on a case-by-case basis by our expert and clinical team.”
He said their theaters were “extremely crowded” and operated at 90% to 100% capacity.
McLeod said he felt “slapped in the face” when he read the letter.
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McLeod and son Harley, 9. She said she was like “kicked in the face” when she found out she couldn’t get an appointment.
“I am so disappointed and heartbroken that I feel I have no choice but to stay private.”
But the undisclosed $35,000 cost of reconstructive surgery was out of reach for McLeod.
“I am a single mother of two with a job and income.
A friend of hers had set up a Givealittle page to help raise funds.
She felt disappointed with the public health system, but hoped one day she would have surgery.
At Te Watu Ora Capital, Coast and Hut Valley, 113 people are on the waiting list for evaluation or surgery for breast reconstruction.