Completely overwhelmed

Hi @Loobylou  so sorry to see that you need to be on this forum but you will find a wonderful bunch of people full of support and get what you are going through.  Also a few laughs along the way on some of the threads when you need a break from the stress you must be going through.  I was also had high grade TNBC  as well as High grade DCIS , It is frightening absolutely but once I started my treatment plan it came as a relief as I could concentrate on what lay ahead.  After saying that I went public the whole way ( 3 surgeries lumpectomy, re excision, then mastectomy )  with TC chemo  between the last 2 surgeries.  I had the same surgeon for each operation as well as the head of oncology as my Oncologist who has been with me each step of the way.  I can honestly say the only things I have paid for is car parking fees ( $5.00 a day ) and a few of my medications.  I waited  3 and a half weeks for the first surgery which is quite normal then when I needed the second it was quite quick.  They covered all of my initial scans then my CT, Bone and MRI  scans. 
I guess what I am saying is the last thing you need is added stress from this shit of a disease and if you can go part public or fully public then go for it.   Sending heaps of positive vibes your way.  Take a deep breath and try and distract yourself with doing things you love as your thoughts must be going a million miles an hour.   xox

Head around bits!!

Thanks everyone. Spent yesterday getting my head around bots. Hubby asked me if we wanted a second opinion? What do we know about the surgeon, oncologist etc I was wondering is there anywhere we can ask if anyone has used them? I said I didn't want a second opinion as my research showed this is what needs to happen, but I wouldn't mind talking to anyone who has used the same people.

@Loobylou sorry you find yourself joining our crew !
Lovely people here with lots of great advice & shoulders to cry on.
I am in FTG so not far away , I went through the Maroondah breast clinic & could not have been happier.
 they work  like a well oiled machine & didn't cost me anything . 
Mind you my diagnosis was early , lumpectomy , radiation & Letrozole with no complications so far . 
You will still be in the WTF stage , it's frightening overwhelming & a steep learning curve . 
You need to arm yourself with courage & a long list of questions at your next appt
sending hugs & if you need to chat feel free
take care xx

@Loobylou . So sorry you've had to join us, now you're here , you'll find everyone very helpful with lots of good advice , doesn't matter how small a question or how silly it might seem, we've probably asked the same questions as we've all been where you are now and gone through the same uncertainties and worries. 
Diagnosed last February, I elected to have my surgery under a private breast surgeon and then moved to the public system for chemo and radiation. I had excellent treatment and really can't fault it. I hear private patients can end up being considerably out of pocket , so don't hesitate to ask how much each step is going cost. Other than my surgery and my follow up appointments with my surgeon, my treatment hasn't cost me anything. Take care and best wishes xxxx

Hi Loobylou sorry you have need to join us here I am TNBC and am 6 + yrs since diagnosis with No evidence of disease. 

Ask any questions 

No worries @Loobylou! Maybe we can grab a cuppa. K xox

Excellent advice from @kmakm. Check what your BUPA cover covers. I was on BUPA for hospital cover (in it for years, never sick, never checked it) and it covered a lot. As indicated, your care is very unlikely to be in any way less in the public system, you just may not get personal continuity of staff. As advised, your GP can help with this. You will end up with a bucket load of knowledge, most of which you never, ever wanted, but you will find your way through this maze so don't panic, deep breath, and keep asking. Lots of people here happy to help. Best wishes. 

So, I will see the oncologist weds, I will ask her then about costs and public system. I am also going to call bupa to see what they cover. Probably ask me for a code...
@kmakm thank you, will definately be in touch x

Hey @Loobylou, I'm in the outer-east of Melbourne as well. Private Message me if you want to chat local. You can do that by finding your Inbox in the menu and typing in my @name.

If you see a private breast surgeon, he or she may have breast care nurses they use in their practice. Otherwise, the new Maroondah Hospital Breast and Cancer Centre is filled with breast care nurses and counsellors and all sorts of wonderful support. They can be a bit hit or miss but mine was, and is, an absolute gem. K xox