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

Loobylou
Member
7 years ago
So, bone and ct scan clear :)
just the one lump, so AC chemo starts next week for 4 weeks then taxol for 12 weeks.
Had echogram today and bloods.
Feeling remarkably positive...
Loobylou
Member
7 years ago
Sorry, AC for 4 Rounds - 1 every 2 weeks
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
Hooray! And phew! That is excellent to hear.

@JJ70 had dose dense AC. She might be able to advise you broadly what to exppect. Remembering that beyond a few similarities, the side effects can be wildly varied.

Onwards and upwards! K xox
JJ70
Member
7 years ago
Hi @Loobylou......if you have any questions let me know..I did 4x Dose Dense Ac then 4x Dose Dense Paclitaxel from Dec 2107-March last year.
Loobylou
Member
7 years ago
@jj70 thank you. Yes will message you if anything comes up, still processing it all at the moment and what to get done in the next week before everything changes...
Zoffiel
Member
7 years ago
Congrats on the scans @Loobylou That is truly excellent news. Mxx
kezmusc
Member
7 years ago
Great news @Loobylou. xoxoxo
SoldierCrab
Member
7 years ago
Awesome News Loobylou
tigerbeth
Member
7 years ago
Great news ! @Loobylou you'll smash this with the help of everyone!
i can't help with chemo stuff but anything else please don't hesitate to contact me
hugs xx
JJ70
Member
7 years ago
One recommendation @Loobylou would be to have some pharmaceuticals on hand. AC usually messes with your gut - it goes one way or the other. I had severe constipation for months - if you notice any gut changes, just get on to it quickly. I ended up with an arsenal of things like Actilax, Coloxyl with Senna, Movicol etc. Some people get diarrhea, though so just be vigilant and don't wait....once you notice which way you're going - take action! Ask your oncologist for advice - if you've got a good one.

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Completely overwhelmed

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