Hi,
Am considering a breast reconstruction 4 yrs post single mastectomy & would appreciate some feedback.
Am living in Melbourne & have some Private Health Insurance & not a lot of spare cash.
Would love to hear from others who have made that hard decision on what sort of reconstruction & how they came to the decision AND how a surgeon was decided upon - procedure they performed OR cost only factor.
Looking forward to some replies.
Thanks in advance !
Happy to let you know how I went about getting onto Hamish's public list at the Austin. I was most impressed with the Austin as well, both my previouse op's had been in the Albury Base and Wodonga Hospital, both public, I was expecting something not as good in a Big Melbourne Public Hospital, everything from staff to facilities were wonderful, best of treatment. And I am so happy with the results.
Viv
Hi Viv
Thanks for the reply.
Hamish Farrow's name has come up a lot, so he'll be one I'll be consulting for an opinion. I presume the Austin is a public hospital? I have loads of literature to read up on before I see anyone, just so I can get some questions organised - when I do I'll private message you for some input if that's ok?
Regards Pamela x
Thanks for your reply Louie, it has certainly made me think a little more about the procedure.
I work part-time, so have time to wait for the public system - it's now choosing a surgeon! I'm prepared to see multiple surgeons for opinions & you're right, getting the whole picture from those who specialise in different procedures is a wise idea. With all the reading around, the TRAM flap & DIEP flap seem to be the one most suitable in my situation (that is a delayed reconstruction).
I have requested to join the Breast Reconstruction Online Group & hopefully then I can get a little more info from ladies who have had those procedures. I also have lots of written info to get through as well.
Thanks again for your advice,
Regards, Pamela x
Hi Pam,
See below for Hawthorn Plastics list. Both of these surgeons work out of the Austin Hospital, Hamish was my surgeon for reduction on my good breast. He was referred to me by several ladies on this site.
How to go about finding a surgeon and waiting lists etc, was tricky. I am happy to share any info if you would like to send a private message.
Derek also has a great reputation from ladies on this site and a shorter waiting time on the public list.
http://www.hawthornplasticsurgery.com/
Viv
Hi Pamela, There are so many big decisions to make when it comes to reconstruction. I had an immediate bilateral free muscle sparing tram flap. I used the public system and have been very happy with that but did not experience wait times as it was immediate. You can choose either public or private, depends how long you want to wait, but the savings can be significant, I have paid $0. Most procedures are done in both systems. It's important to understand too that reconstruction is usually several surgeries/stages which can add up the $.
Choosing a surgeon was tedious for me, as I narrowed down my preferred type of recon I then saw several plastic surgeons to get several opinions. They seem to specialise in their preferred procedures, which makes sense, but you might be suitable to different types of procedures so it's good to get the whole picture.
There is a private group on this network called Breast reconstruction online group' that you are welcome to join. Members share their stories, info and images in this safe place. You might find this helpful, if you want to join just follow this link and request membership http://www.bcna.org.au/group/61026
Also, there are several members of this group in Melbourne who it might be handy to connect with.
Hope this helps you, Louie xx
