Reconstuctive surgery
Hi to all the other breast cancer survivors out there.
I am nearly at my 5 year mark after my mastectomy, only one more visit to the surgeon and then I hope never to see him again ( no offence to him as he certainly is a wonderful human being) as it means this leg of my journey is over..
Today I started the journey of reconstructive surgery. I had previously visited a plastics guy but $5000 plus even with top health cover, just wasn't in the budget. So I put it off.
I had a chat with the breast cancer nurses and was told to see if I could get it done in the public system. I work at a public hospital so this was most convenient. My hopes were high.
Today I was told yes i could get the tissue expander and implant done free of charge but they no longer offered anything on the other side so I would have to get that done privately $5000 came back into play. How ridiculous is this system.
As I work in the hospital the surgeon recommended I speak to the powers that be and ask them why.
I want to be even again, balanced. I am not wanting surgery for the fun of it but as a result of my cancer. The surgeon was horrified when I said "well maybe I should get the other breast removed for symmetry." I am 43 years old my breast cancer is more then likely the result of ray treatment I had 30 years ago for Hodgkins Disease.
Everyone does such a wonderful job raising awareness for breast cancer but we need help to continue on with our lives.
Col