Yes OHIP does cover the cost of a breast reconstruction, including the
plastic surgeon.

Marianne

<<  Are there any
good reasons for not doing this at the same time? >>

Before I get into the disadvantages, one of the main advantages is that it
generally looks best if done at the same time--less scarring involved.
I was dx'd with stage II invasive lobular in 3/01.  I had wanted immediate
reconstruction after that was an option shared with me.  I was wrongly denied
it for 'wrong' reasons--told I needed to lose weight first.  I was overwt by
about 25 to 35 lbs but was not obese.  (I was up to a size 12 and my optimal
size is an 8).  It turned out that the plastic surgeon didn't have the staff or
needed facilities to do a bilateral at the same time.
Anyway, after the surgery, the pathology report indicated that there was alot
more involvement than initially suspected.  In addition to the 2.5 cm invasive
lobular tumor--which turned out to be pleomorphic (a rare aggressive variant
with a short relapse-free survival time), I had high grade dcis with comedo
necrosis, and a separate tumor in the nipple with dermal lymphatics (rare
presentation of inflammatory b.c.)  I had 9 of 12 positive lymph nodes and
extensive lymphovascular invasion.  I was both ER+ and Her2+  In other words,
for the most part my pathology was 'bad' news.
If I had had reconstruction, there may have been tumor seeding along the route
of the tram flap that I was considering.  (Each type of reconstruction has
different and more or lesser degress of risk).  It would also have delayed my
getting chemo.
After surgery I had chemo, radiation, more chemo, a year of Herceptin, then a
complete hysterectomy and oopherectomy.  I have been under some type of
treatment since.
My case is the exception, though, and NOT the dorm.  I probably could get
reconstruction now if I wanted but at this point see absolutely no need.  The
prostheses are quite comfortble and work great.  I am the same size I was
before or close to it.
If things were different and I had surgery, I probably would have been happy to
have that done as well--so all I can do is give you my perspective after not
having it.  My goal right now is survival.    Another reason I wanted immediate
reconstruction was because I didn't want to wake up looking like what I
remember as to how my mom looked.  I was dx'd with breast cancer at the same
age as she was.  (I have a very extensive family hx of it).  Oh, and I lost
most of the extra weight so I actually felt better about my body without boobs
than I did when I was heavier.
Anyway, I don't want to dissuade you from having it--if the dr's feel that all
is well and this is what you want.