Mums got breast cancer.

Hi Manny, One thing I found really helpful in the My Journet Kit was you could keep a list of all the medical appointments, so this helped you keep an eye on all your accounts and whether you had received your Medicare rebates and Medibank rebates. After the whirlwind of appointments you have trouble keeping up with what you have claimed and what you have got back. Just a little piece of mind and obe less thing to keep track of. Pam

Hi Manny,

It's so wonderful that you are giving such practical support to your mum as she goes through this. It can be quite overwhelming, with all the information and (sometimes) conflicting advice and opinions, so it is great that you are there to help her navigate through it all.

I'm just wondering if you've ordered the My Journey Kit from BCNA? I found it really helpful, especially in the early days, just to get a better understanding of the treatment options and how things are done. I used the information in it and from the New Diagnosis section on this website to help me form the questions I needed to ask my surgeon and my oncologist, based on my particular diagnosis. I took in written lists of questions to both the surgeon and oncologist and my husband made notes of their answers to help us through the information overload! Also, remember, this network is terrific for answering all those other questions that often aren't covered in the information materials. Talking to your mum's GP or a Breast Cancer Nurse can also be really helpful at this stage, just to discuss the options being offered and to feel a little more prepared when you are talking to the specialists. 

In relation to a special diet, there really is no particular diet your mum needs to follow - just a balanced diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, and try and drink as much water as possible!

So glad to hear your mum's scan was clear. Best wishes for next week's appointments. Jane

 

Thank you Robyn, Jane, Ann, Julia and Pam. Thank you for replying to my message and your good wishes. Mums got full body Scan and shes been cleared from other areas...the surgeon wants surgery but the oncologist want chemo...seeing her on 11th next week. Any questions I need to ask. Also any special diet i need mom on.

 

Thank you God Bless and peace and health to all you Angels.

 

Manny

Hi Manny, I too have top cover with MBF and have had to hand out extra money to my surgeon and plastic surgeon. I had a unilateral mastectomy and expander fitted and going back soon to have implants put in both breasts. You need to ask the doctors what their extra charges are. My hospital and chemo only cost me the $500 excess. One thing I did have was peace of mind that I chose the medical people and wasn't given a short list of Medibank doctors, which may have been cheaper. As Julia says, just ask the doctors for the item numbers and how much they will charge you, then check with Medibank. All you speak to are helpful with how to keep your expenses down, even Medibank. Good luck to both of you Pam

Hi,

I have mid level Hospital cover with Medibank and there were some out of pocket expenses for my mastectomy in 2012, however as your mum has top level cover she may have less to pay, or receive a higher benefit.

My expenses were: 1) Hospital Excess: $500 (this is paid once per calendar year, so any subsequent hospital admissions do not attract an excess charge, so the admissions for chemo, done privately also, were all at no charge), 2) Surgeon's fee: I chose to go with a particular surgeon and he provided a quote prior to the surgery of $2,090, but after Medicare and Medibank refunds was out of pocket by $708. 3) Anaethetist's fee: Out of pocket: $272.

As Robyn suggested, chat with the surgeon and ask for a quote upfront. The surgeon's office can confirm if they can "no gap" the surgery, or provide a quote, and usually have an idea of what Medicare / Medibank rebates are available. Hope this helps. Wishing your mum all the best.

Jane

Hi,

I have mid level Hospital cover with Medibank and there were some out of pocket expenses for my mastectomy in 2012, however as your mum has top level cover she may have less to pay, or receive a higher benefit.

My expenses were: 1) Hospital Excess: $500 (this is paid once per calendar year, so any subsequent hospital admissions do not attract an excess charge, so the admissions for chemo, done privately also, were all at no charge), 2) Surgeon's fee: I chose to go with a particular surgeon and he provided a quote prior to the surgery of $2,090, but after Medicare and Medibank refunds was out of pocket by $708. 3) Anaethetist's fee: Out of pocket: $272.

As Robyn suggested, chat with the surgeon and ask for a quote upfront. The surgeon's office can confirm if they can "no gap" the surgery, or provide a quote, and usually have an idea of what Medicare / Medibank rebates are available. Hope this helps. Wishing your mum all the best.

Jane

You have come to the right place for advice and general support for your Mum and yourself. I had surgery and chemo almost a year ago now.I have top cover with Medibank Private,and I had my surgery at Sydney Private Hospital.I paid NOTHING.There was no fee for surgery or anaesthetic.I then had my chemo at RPA which is a public hospital,and there was no cost.I don't know though,if different doctors charge different fees,in which case you might have to pay the difference.It would be best to just ask the doctor upfront,and then ask Medibank Private what your cost (if any) will be.I hope this helps.Stay in touch and remember,no question on this blog is a silly question.Cheers xox Robyn