After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Carlie-Ann had breast reconstruction in her early 30s. She talks about the ups and downs of her experience, from being on long waiting lists to regaining her confidence.
Can you tell us about your experience with breast cancer?
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2020. I was scheduled to have a , but due to the COVID-19 lockdown, the hospital changed my surgery to a single mastectomy. I also had 4 rounds of chemo and 18 rounds of .
I now have Prostap injections 4 times a year. Prostap is a hormone therapy offered to younger women that switches off your oestrogen production.
Can you tell us about your breast reconstruction journey?
Because of COVID-19, I wasn’t allowed to have immediate reconstruction. Instead, I was put on a waiting list for DIEP surgery. The backlog for reconstruction quickly built up during the pandemic, and the waiting list got longer, with months turning into years. By the time I’d waited 3 years, I felt like they had forgotten me.
One morning in July 2023, the doctors called me to tell me that someone had cancelled last minute and I could take their place. I was crying on the train after the call. I live on my own and I only had a few days to prepare for the surgery. Luckily, my mum and sister came to look after me.
What was it like having breast reconstruction surgery as a younger woman?
Having breast reconstruction in my 30s was a surreal experience. Many people treated it like an opportunity for me to get a ‘free boob job’. They weren’t aware of the physical and mental pain that I went through.
Being flat on one side was affecting my confidence and dating life, so the reconstructions helped improve my confidence.
What was your recovery like?
I had nipple reconstruction in March 2024, and I’ve had a lot of problems healing since. I’ve gained hypertrophic scars which may need further treatment.
In June 2024, I received nipple tattooing through the NHS, which I feel has completed my look. In the future, I may get a permanent 3D tattoo to make them look even more realistic.
Although I’ve had ups and downs with reconstruction, I don’t regret my decision. And I’m eternally thankful to everyone at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.
What advice would you give to other women waiting for reconstruction surgery?
I have 2 pieces of advice.
Firstly, take the time to make sure you’re 100% sure about what type of reconstruction is the best course of action. There are pros and cons to every type, so definitely do your research. And it might be the case that opting for no reconstruction would suit you best.
And secondly, don’t give up hope. The waiting lists are long, but your time will come. Keep in touch with your team so you can ask for regular updates.
Supporting women who have breast reconstruction
We want to make sure that women get access to the right type of reconstruction at the right time for them. Learn more about our work to improve breast reconstruction services.