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Q: I have been a breast cancer survivor for 29 years. Is it too late to have breast reconstruction?
Hi, Valarie - I agree with Mehdoosa, it's never too late to make yourself feel better. One thing, though - I'm wondering if insurance would cover it, since the law she quotes was only enacted 11 years ago, in 1998.
The federal Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 reads as follows:
“Under WHCRA, group health plans, insurance companies and health
maintenance organizations (HMOs) offering mastectomy coverage must
also provide coverage for reconstructive surgery in a manner
determined in consultation with the attending physician and the
patient. Coverage includes reconstruction of the breast on which the
mastectomy was performed, surgery and reconstruction of the other
breast to produce a symmetrical appearance, and prostheses and treatment, including lymphedema.”
Don't know if you'd be grandfathered, but worth a try, anyway - ask your insurance company how they'd rule on this... otherise it would be VERY expensive, I fear. Best of luck - PJH
I'm 54 years old and just had Stage II of my reconstruction last Tuesday. I can't tell you what a difference it's made in how I feel about myself and they still look pretty scary. The thing is, I have two boobs again and they're the same size.
I don't care how old you are, there's nothing stopping you from having whatever procedure it takes to make you feel better about yourself.
You might want to check with your insurance company to see if they will still cover the reconstruction. I'm also certain that in the research I did prior to having all my stuff done, everything I read led me to believe that legislation was passed forcing insurance companies to pay for women who'd had mastectomies to have breast reconstruction, including the augmentation necessary on the remaining breast to make them the same size. I went from a 40 Long to a 40C on my right side so it would match the one he replaced.
Good luck!
ihello , i am very glad to learn how you are very happy to get your confident back . i can understand as i am a womem and just had my right one as removed . its horible every time i have to get dress you know . there are three month ago . iam on Chemotheraphy Treatmert at the moment i can wait to finish it . so its 29 years ago whow ! how do you feel are you having any more treatment . if you dont mind to Email me please . my Adress doris pavaday@yahoo.co.uk i hope to hear from you very soon .
You will have to ask your Plastic Surgeon. I am sure that he or she can tell you what
can be done. There are two ways to do breast reconstruction. Just make sure you get
a good referral. Ask your oncologist who they recommend. I am a two time breast cancer survivor. My doctor made a mistake the second time and didn't do the same size. One is a B and one is a D. But when I am in a Bra or a Bathing Suit you can't tell. I am divorced and I never plan on dating or getting married again so it doesn't matter. Just make sure that your doctor doesn't make a mistake. My doctor felt bad and I was out of it when he was talking and couldn't say anything. It is looking a little better now. My other doctor put it this way. Most people are uneven. My cousin is having to wait a year after her radiation and she is hoping there will be enough skin. That is the main problem. When you go into it planning for it they make sure and have the Plastic Surgeon there. So go in for a consultation. But there is another way. Using your skin from your stomach if not.
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