BCNA breast reconstruction research

I read the article and thought it was well-written.  I did not get the feeling that women without reconstruction are unhappy at all.
Thank you very much to the ladies featured in the article.  Their stories and photos will be very helpful for any lady just beginning their BC saga.
The article was indeed correct in explaining that regional and rural ladies are at a distinct disadvantage as surgeons are not breast surgeons, they are general surgeons.  As such they should not be attending BreastScreen !  I had no prior discussion re what may be available, I was told I was to have a mastectomy and that was that !  Some years, and knowledge later, I thought of DIEP but was told at least $20k out of pocket costs.
I also saw the interview on channel 24 with @Kirsten_BCNA  which was a follow-up of the article.  Thanks, Kirsten.  The article, and Kirsten, raised serious shortfalls in the current diagnosis and treatment system.

Is there a link to the article and/or interview, ladies?

Hi @arpie

I think this will find the one on the mobile phone this morning:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-24/breast-cancer-mastectomy-choices-in-australia/100468436

YEP, just went into the link and it works - YAY me !!!!  Was not sure I could do that !!!

Thanks @June1952

Thank you @June1952.  I feel for those women.   

Just to be on the safe side ..... Maybe we need to add a note to the thread saying that there may be confronting images in the ABC link? @Mez_BCNA .... can you add that, please?

This is a great article, and shows how hard it really is for women going through this nightmare. It also points out how disadvantaged women in rural areas are, which is quite saddening, as it definitely shouldn’t be that way and all women should have the same choices, information and knowledge when starting out through this ride. It’s hard enough being diagnosed, let alone not having the same options others have. It’s true that some women choose to stay flat and that’s of course absolutely fine, but those who want a recon should be able to have it, and not 10 years later. 

I thought it was good and highlighted some problems.

I dont think women in non eastern states have the same options. But i personally dont feel disadvantaged.

Im about to have reconstruction to aesthetic flat closure after more than a year.  I havent been able to have the procedure yet because my skin had to heal from radiotherapy.

Not all women are suitable to have immediate reconstruction.

I had surgery to get the bastard out and asked for skin sparing because i was too panicked to make a good decision about what i wanted just then. Chemo then radio took forever.

Im uncomfortable in the chest area and fat but once ive gone flat i will feel finished and ive made this decision for my health, for the length of time and damage to other parts of my body likely to ensue with breast reconstruction. Ive had no trouble convincing my surgeon to allow me to go flat. I dont consider the lack of breast awful, nor do i think i look awful now. 

I still cant find a mastectomy bra thats comfortable. 

I just spent $300 to get a bather and swim prosthesis which i think make me look very old given im only 49.

I spent 2 hours the other night trying to find clothes to wear to a work lunch. 

All the things experienced by women who want reconstruction to get a breast equally apply to me. 

Im sad that its such a long road for everyone.

@Afraser @arpie - I have added the link to the original post with warning also. Hope this is okay.