Do I stay or do I go?

My heart goes out to you. You have so much to consider. I wonder if there is a way to form some kind of supportive phone circle through this ap. I would love to hear people’s voices. We share so much pain and uncertainty not to mention all the appointments and juggling. You have such a difficult added layer. May I ask what kind of work you do hete?

HUgs.   Some good advice seeking  info in previous answers , it may come down to medical costs, like if your eligable for  medicare or not and public accomodtion in a public hospital or care accomodtion  when you may probably need post surgery recovery , chemo, radiation close to healthcare. Its great you have already had an offer of  someone to stay with. Sadly it can get very expensive and work needs have to be very flexible and often reduced , important to make finacial decisions at the start of it all. Health has to come first. Another very good work planing service is https://www.liveworkcancer.com/ 

They may be able to offer some career  advice and  you can get a free 45 min video  call to chat with someone about work planing.  

Hospitals usually have a social worker, that may be able to let you know how things work for rural patients.

Its always hard to predict, i do know some people who able to work through with just time off here and there, but there are an awful lot of appointments, blood tests, scans, treatment sessions. Its a marathon, focus on the long term goal to get rid of the cancer. It's a huge shake up , big change of plans as we face our mortality. It is hard, but you can get through it. Meditation every day really helps with the anxiety. That's science not woo woo.

Pink wishes 

Hibear91​ 

Its a very difficult decision to make .

On the one hand it is really good to be near your family and long time friends to go through something like this.

On the other if you have support here and are eligible to use our very good health care system and you are keen to stay here in the medium to long term , that would be an alternative worthy of serious consideration.

Give the helpline a call tomorrow and also try a call to the Cancer Council helpline.

A lot depends on whether you are eligible to have your treatment here at no cost.

Best wishes with whatever you decid and keep us posted .

🌺

Hi bear91​  -  I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis.  Tri​ has given some great advice - gather as much info as you can, to help you make the decision .... 
This bloody diagnosis mucks even more with your brain than your body - so lining up all your options and trying to make the best decision for YOU is the way to go. 

Slow down, take lots of deep breaths .... hopefully it will all pan out nicely for you xx

It almost sounds like you are hoping/planning on staying on in Australia, if not permanently, then long-term ....
 
Do you know if you are covered to have your surgery & treatment here - or will you have to pay for it?  UK does have a reciprocal medical agreement with Australia (as does NZ.)
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/reciprocal-health-care-agreements-visiting-from-united-kingdom?context=22481#a1

How long have you been with your employer on the visa?  Is there any 'medical insurance' included in the job?   Are you given sick leave & holiday leave?  Do you have any up your sleeve?  Is there any way that you can use these up for your surgery/recovery (and if ongoing treatment?) so that it doesn't interfere with your visa?

Having your friend's mum backing you up near the hospital is a real bonus ... as she fully understands what you are going thru.   I bet she will almost 'become like family' too xx

If you have a mastectomy, and don't require chemo, the recovery from surgery is often 'easier' than having 'lesser' surgery (lumpectomy/partial mastectomy) tho every person's recovery is different.

If you have radiation - it will require you to be near the facility for daily visits (Mon-Fri) for as many weeks as they choose you to have it .... 

Fingers crossed, you just need the mastectomy & hormone meds xx

Take care, maybe even contact the hospital admin to see if they can give you any info as well? Wishing you all the best xx

Hi bear91,  my diagnosis is fairly similar to yours all in a matter of the last 3 and 1/2 weeks (good Friday eve) living life carefree to being stopped mid stride with a diagnosis. I'm a kiwi so not quite the distance as you have or challenges with visas.  I believe Australia has the best possible care for this type of medical care.   Seeking medical care alone is even more challenging.  I called my sisters who came immediately and joined me over the past 3 weeks, we are not wealthy and yes their distance is shorter than the UK, but sometimes the tickets cost the same!  If i had to walk the past 3 weeks alone im unsure if would have had the mental strength, with all we manage while waiting for appts, and reviews and next steps, it has been a comfort to have them here and now my good friends who I consider family support me at appts while my sisters return back to their lives.  My choice without them may have been to return to NZ despite knowing the health system there is not quite up to par as it is here.  This is a hard question for anyone hun, and only one you will know how to answer. Try not to sit in fear, easy to say hard to do! Be kind to yourself, don't let the mind get too creative and catastrophise everything for decisions like this you need your mind clear and then you need to trust that you made the best decision for you in the that moment.  I hope this helps and doesnt add further confusion, I wish you every success towards your journey to great wellness. 

Sorry, its a 2cm invasive mass, not 2mm.