Long Wait Times for Cancer Surgery in Seattle?

I felt the same way. I received my diagnosis officially on 1/30/24 after having a biopsy. My surgery is scheduled for 4/25/24 for stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma of the right breast. Praying it hasn’t spread into lymph nodes. Have they run all of the genetic testing yet? I know that takes about 5 weeks.

I actually did genetic testing in 2019 when I had DCIS. I’m only 39 and this is a reoccurrence. I did a screening MRI in January which found the area. Biopsy wasn’t until Feb 20! They did CT and bone scan just to make sure it didn’t spread because it’s a reoccurrence which came back negative but I’m still scared they are missing something, because my surgeon thinks that this may have just been missed on previous scans and maybe even been there the whole time since my mastectomy in 2019. My surgeon is now sending me back for ANOTHER breast MRI prior to surgery because it’s been so long. I feel like my care has just been thrown to the wayside and I’m so let down by the whole medical establishment:(

Caitlin I’m so sorry you are having to wait so long. Have you been in contact with your oncologist? If so what have they said about the long wait? I found a lump in my left armpit and it was positive. It’s a reoccurrence. Anyway I went through all the tests including a PET Scan. But unlike you I was able to have surgery in March. You’re so young. I’m 60 and I get scared. I can’t imagine being your age and going through that all over again. You are in my prayers Caitlin. 🙏🙏🙏

Because so many people had to wait during the pandemic, Drs studied having to wait, up to 4 months, and it did not cause increased risk of invasion. If you are still waiting, let your Dr know you are unsatisfied and ask why it's taking so long. If you don't get a satisfactory explanation, get another opinion. I have found that the waiting is harder than the treatment. It's all about communication and persistence. I had to wait 2 months and I am a physician.

I’m having surgery tomorrow as well! I’m so scared of surgery. Thank you to everyone sending prayers 🙏🏽🙏🏽

Yes I will say prayers for you tonight and in the morning. Keep us updated if you are up to it after your surgery. 🙏❤️

Yes, I had to Wait two months I’m just getting in on May 2nd for surgery. I was diagnosed the first week of March

@melani, thank you so much for your prayers! surgery went well. It was long (61/2 hours) because they still had to do latissmus flap for skin closure. I’m very scared to look at all my scars but glad that it’s over! Now we pray for clean margins! 🙏🏽

I was thinking about you earlier today. So glad everything went good for you! Rest up. I'll keep you in my prayers❤️🙏

Waiting months for surgery can feel incredibly stressful, especially when dealing with a new cancer diagnosis. Many patients in this community have shared similar experiences with varying wait times at different medical centers, and those feelings of frustration are completely understandable. Consider reaching out to your care team to discuss your concerns about the timeline, or exploring whether other surgical options might be available to help move things forward.