Completely overwhelmed

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.

Head around bits!!

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

PM the names to myself, @tigerbeth and @CatRM. We may have come across them, you never know.

Nothing wrong at all with second opinions. My breast surgeon is wonderful. Happy to give you his name if you would like it.

Hey @Loobylou, 
Sucks you are here. Sorry mate! I had a single mastectomy with DIEP last Thursday week, through Ringwood's new Breast and Cancer Centre . From diagnosis to operation, it was a little under 4 weeks. Have nothing but praise for the public system thus far (though they did change the op date on me three times which suuuucked). I had my own room, saw all my nurses at least twice, sometimes more, over the 5 nights I stayed there. I had to pay for an MRI but that was because it wasn't essential, the plastic surgeon just wanted to make sure I wouldn't need radiation after she'd done her work on me. The new breast cancer clinic is lovely in Ringwood, the nurses I've met are darlings. x

Loobylou in June 2011 my GP explained the differences between Public and Private health. I decided to go public with everything. I had surgery, CT scans, ultrasounds, physiotherapy, medication etc. and the only cost has been parking fees. This forum will help you make sense of all manner of things particularly in the early days when both thinking and emotions go into overload. xxxxBeryl

If you want to go public @Loobylou, you are living in the right place as there are excellent services close to you.
The private/public debate rages on. If you can afford it,  private practitioners are an option. If you can't, go public for some procedures. As Kate has pointed out, it is essential to find out what the out of pocket costs are before you commit to anyone.
Chemotherapy is free, regardless of who prescribes it, you do, however pay for discharge medications and any private specialists you use.
The main consideration when it comes to oncologists is whether you like your doctor. If you don't take to them, find another.
Mxx

I am so hyper aware of the lump, feel like it's pulsing... Sure it's all in my head but my boob is sore, could be all the checking I do - hoping it's gone!

Hi @Loobylou sorry that you find yourself here, but you will find great support from our online community members.  I thinks its only normal to be so aware of the breast lump now that the diagnosis has been made. Dont hesitate to call our helpline on 1800 500 258 to speak with a cancer nurse for information and support.  We are open Monday to Friday from 9 am till 6 pm.  It will be a huge relief to have your surgery, wishing you all the best with your treatment.

Hang in there @Loobylou. It will be gone soon. K xox