Hospital

Question

Hello! I was diagnosed with breast cancer this week. I'm in Melbourne. Has anyone been or is currently undergoing treatment at a public hospital? What was the experience like? I'm reluctant to go to a private hospital.

abbydog · Answer

I'm sorry you are going through this. Keep an open mind to things you hear, and try not to google too much. This usually increases anxiety. Ask important questions from reliable sources. Write down any questions before you see your doctors. Take a partner or friend with you, if possible. So they can help you to remember what is said.

Some ladies have a very difficult time. But that is not everyone. I was very lucky with all of my treatments, ie Surgery, Chemo and RT. Do you know anything yet about which treatments you need?

I went private. I had very good care. Also surgery was arranged very quickly. My Mastectomy was 10 days after my finding the lump. With Private you have better access to your surgeon, should any problems occur. This may be difficult if public. The only cost to me was the hospital excess. This would depend on your particular policy. Depending on your surgeon, they may have a gap. Mine was $500.

If you have Private insurance, is something putting you off using it? Have you heard something bad?

I'm sure you will get good care, public or private. All the best. Thinking of you.

mez_bcna · Answer

Amandasol​ I can see the great information and support provide by Abbydog​ and her experience.
You can also check out our resources MANAGING THE FINANCIALIMPACTS OF BREAST CANCER and Choosing public or private health systems for treatment
Managing the cost of breast cancer: tips and resources&nbsp;– You can also watch our webcast which explores managing the costs of breast cancer including informed financial consent, public vs private healthcare, hidden and common out-of-pocket costs, questions to ask your healthcare provider, financial wellbeing, career impacts, issues for those who live in rural and remote areas and the resources and support available to you.

arpie · Answer

So sorry to see you joining our group Amandasol​&nbsp; .... but you are in the right spot, for questions &amp; answers xx. I agree with everything that Abbydog​ &nbsp;has said - specially about 'Dr Google'!!&nbsp; &nbsp; Also, as well as having a friend sit in with you on your early appointments (including with Onc &amp; Rad Onc if needed ....) consider recording your meetings too, so you can go over them again later on, if you need to.&nbsp; &nbsp;I did xx
I went private for surgery, purely to get it 'over &amp; done with' as soon as possible, as mine was first 'spotted' in Oct yet the biopsy wasn't done until December &amp; the results in early January!&nbsp; &nbsp;My surgery was mid Jan, as soon as the surgeon came off holidays!&nbsp; &nbsp;
Melbourne has EXCELLENT public hospitals &amp; surgeons!&nbsp;&nbsp;
I went public for both my Medical and Radiation oncologists and couldn't fault&nbsp;them.&nbsp; I am finishing up with my Medical Onc next week, after 7 years ... I finished with my Rad Onc 2 years ago.
Both were incredibly professional &amp; I only ever saw 'locums' if they were off sick or having babies! Other than that, I had the same Oncs all thru the 7 years.
Many have had excellent experiences in Public hospitals (and many surgeons operate in both the public &amp; private sectors!)&nbsp; The one question I would ask - is if the surgeon is a Breast Surgeon 'specialist' and is not a 'general' surgeon.Do you know what type of BC you have &amp; if you are likely to have a lumpectomy or mastectomy at this point in time?&nbsp; &nbsp;If you are looking at Mastectomy (reconstruction or not) we have 2 groups that you may like to join to ask about them both so you have an informed decision.Choosing Reconstruction:Group: Choosing breast reconstruction | BCNA Online Network
Staying flat:
Group: Flat Chat - no breast reconstruction | BCNA Online Network
When you have time, jump onto this thread - it has a lot of info about the group &amp; tips on what to take to hospital with you, as well as 'tick sheets' to monitor how you are going physically and mentally. xx&nbsp; If you are feeling anxious or scared ... give our our helpline a call on 1800 500 258, to have a one on one chat xx&nbsp;A big welcome to all New Online Network Members ..... | BCNA Online Network
Take care, &amp; wishing you all the best xx
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