so, found lump a week ago, had biopsy 3 days later after mammogram and ultrasound. Had to wait to today for results. Thought was going to have lumpectomy and radiation but today told it's a triple negative high grade tumour so seeing oncologist next week to talk about chemo.feel very under researched! I had spent the intervening days looking at all the lumpectomy reading and therapy, now feel like I have hit by a truck...my main worry (after the cancer and my kids) is costs, I do not understand how the health system works for cancer. My consultant has sent me to a private oncologist, is this normal? I have bupa (who, when I thought it was lumpectomy said they cover costs) but I don't know what they pay. I am having CT and bone scans on Monday, and I know there is a rebate on that. I am just so confused, just wanted to talk, thanks X

Hi @Loobylou. Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry you've found yourself here. I hope you find it as helpful and supportive as I have. It's a great hive mind, and good for a laugh, a vent and a whinge!It does all move incredibly fast at the beginning, and for many, treatment plans change when pathology comes back.Everything you're feeling, experiencing and expressing is entirely normal. Everyone here has been there, we get it. So take some deep breaths and slow everything down.It's very easy to get fast tracked onto the private health treatment conveyor belt. You get to say stop. Do you like your oncologist? You can ask them if they work in the public system, many of them do.Do not hesitate to say "how much will that cost me?" at every step of the way. If you get an answer you don't like, ask if there's a cheaper way to do it. You can go to your GP tomorrow and ask to be referred into the public system immediately, where you will pay little to nothing for your treatment. You can mix public and private treatment. Many get treated privately untill radiotherapy, when they go public. Radiotherapy is very expensive in the private system.The care you receive publicly will be equal to private care. The biggest difference is your choice in personnel. You tend not to get it in the public system. Ie, you may not see the same oncologist each time, depending on how your local hospital/treatment centre is run.The learning curve when you're diagnosed with breast cancer is a vertical straight line. Fire away with your questions. There's almost always someone here who knows the answers. And if they don't, they know someone who does. There are others here who can speak to your private vs public better than I. Hopefully they'll be along soon!And you can always call BCNA helpline on 1800 500 258. They're great listeners and fantastic experts on all things BC related.Hang in there. Big hug, K xox

Hi @Loobylou know you don’t have to be strong all the time. Be sure to take someone with you tomorrow for support. Remember your health care team is there for you so don’t hesitate to let them know how you are feeling so they can help you the best they can. Take care of you.

oh Loobylou it can be hard my daughter chose a movie to sit with me one night while I was in chemo land .... Lo and behold it was about someone dying of cancer she was so distressed that I might be distressed .... it turned into a really good heart to heart session about where I was emotionally at the time.... Breathe and remember we have your back .... pop back on tomorrow and let us know how it went and rant vent cry we get it....

Hey, am near Ringwood in Victoria.thank you, will look into Breast care nurse now

@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

Completely overwhelmed | BCNA Online Network

93 Replies

Shellshocked201
Member
7 years ago
Hi Loobylou,
I also was diagnosed with a triple negative breast cancer back in October last year.
I have been going through the public system and haven’t got a bad word to say about the system.
The Care is no different, it doesn’t hit your hip pocket either.
I had one of the best surgeons and breast cancer nurses, they were all so wonderful.
Ask the breast care nurses at your surgeons rooms to put you in touch with a breast care nurse close to you, they can also recommend you to a Psychologist to help you get through this roller coaster ride of emotional feelings you will have.
I enrolled into a mindfulness and meditation class which helped me a lot with my anxiety levels.
I had surgery in December and had a partial mastectomy on my left breast and two lymph nodes removed, all with clear margins and clear lymph nodes. Best outcome ever, so hold onto that hope.
Just started Chemotherapy, and then once completed will be having Radiotherapy.
My tumour once removed was 25mm in size, and a grade 3, ( aggressive).
You will be going through so many different emotions at the moment, cry let it all out, scream, what ever you need to do to let it all out.
Having trouble sleeping see your dr and get something to help you sleep.
I remember so well how I couldn’t sleep at night in the early stages, once I got a script from my dr, I was able to sleep which meant I could function better and cope with what I was going through.
Ask away any questions you may have and any of these lovely people will help you through this tough time.
Remember you’re not alone.... We all know what you’re going through and how you’re feeling.
Thus a great forum full of information.
Sending big hugs xoxo
kitkatb
Member
7 years ago
Hey @Shellshocked2018_ Hope all going well with you and the chemo. xox
Shellshocked201
Member
7 years ago
Hi Kitkat sent a private message xx
Loobylou
Member
7 years ago
So oncologist tomorrow, cried through my scans yesterday. Nurses were so nice I just couldn't keep it together.
Feel I need to be strong and matter of fact for my hubby and kids, so they aren't too spooked. But am so scared there will be more cancer in there. Just rang the consultants rooms to make sure the oncologist would have everything!
tomorrow makes it all even more real...
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
Deep breaths lovely. Take it one hour at a time. Big hug, K xox
Zoffiel
Member
7 years ago
One day at a time @Loobylou. You just have to plod through the process. It sucks. Mxx
Sister
Member
7 years ago
Always harder when people are nice!
Blossom1961
Member
7 years ago
Hi @Loobylou Everyone here is sending you virtual hugs. Know that you are wrapped and cocooned.
kitkatb
Member
7 years ago
@Loobylou big hug from me and thinking of you tomorrow. it does it just sucks but you will get through this it is just the waiting and not knowing. deep breath. xo
Riki_BCNA
Member
7 years ago
Hi @Loobylou know you don’t have to be strong all the time. Be sure to take someone with you tomorrow for support. Remember your health care team is there for you so don’t hesitate to let them know how you are feeling so they can help you the best they can. Take care of you.

Forum Discussion

Completely overwhelmed

93 Replies

Recent Discussions

Waiting, waiting, waiting….

Very difficult to listen the Podcast

First appointment with a surgeon

Radiotherapy

Just diagnosed