Don’t know why or what planet I was on, but I thought if you had breast cancer your reconstruction would be covered, as it wasn’t classed as cosmetic surgery. Well apparently I am so wrong. If I was to continue on the Private Patient path what would the be possible cost give or take. Or would I be best going on the Public waiting list and of so is anyone here in Brisbane who might know approximately how long the wait list isI had hoped to get a reconstruction next year, I’ve just been warned that it’s expensive so not sure I can afford it now. Which is leading me to think and wish I had asked for a DMX and I would have just gone flat 😢don’t get me wrong, even though I’ve only got the temporary crocheted prosthesis, I find it hot and it just doesn’t look good no matter how much I try and play with the stuffing 😳, I’m just not that comfortable in my own skin to go out without the look of being close to even

@Blister I am also still to have reconstruction after single MX. I am in Brisbane also and was quoted $12-$15;000 also going private - I’m keen to have a DIEP recon done. There is no way I have that sort of cash so spoke to my breast surgeon - she suggested Mater Hospital is the best if you go public and Dr Gerard Bayley at Greenslopes Hospital has a gap fee of approx $3500 which is private. I haven’t looked into either option as yet but will do so in the New Year.in regard to the prothesis as the ladies above have suggested there are quite a few options, I had a proper fitting done about 5 weeks post op and got a lightweight one as well as the proper silicone one. I much prefer the lighter version especially in the hot humid weather haha. Spirit of Life Boutique in Clayfield do proper fittings and sell a good wide range of prothesis, bras, swimmers etc and both ladies have had BC so are very caring and thoughtful, I had a full on breakdown at my first visit and they were wonderful - the whole fake boob thing became a bit overwhelmingly real.

A prosthesis is worthwhile even as a shorter term measure while you consider reconstruction. I had to use a soft pad for an extended period while something else got sorted out and its ‘floating’ quality was irritating, to put it nicely. A proper prosthesis fixed my out of balance spine and stayed put! I was never sure about reconstruction (the whole idea, more surgery as well as cost). As I have found a prosthesis simple, easy and completely acceptable, I will remain unreconstructed. Best wishes.

I use a Trulife prosthesis which comes with it's own little cotton pocket and it is really good even in hot climates. The prosthesis itself is far softer on the skin side and fits really well with whatever chest/scaring is there. It feels like it is filled with cornflour, soft and silky. (I'd had Amoena ones before and found them too stiff and hot as well as heavy). Hope this helps someone.

@FLClover thank you I think that’s what I will do

I have the crochet ones but they were not very comfortable. When I got my silicon prothesis this fits much better in the bra and is very comfortable for about 6 hours and then I have to take it off. Medicare covered the whole $400.00 cost of the prothesis.

Reconstruction Costs | BCNA Online Network

15 Replies

Blister
Member
5 years ago
@AllyJay I have a crocheted one at the moment, I’m still swollen and recovering (so haven’t gone shopping yet for proper bras and prosthesis) I just find it very hot and I end up chucking it. I’m going to make an appointment next year and see what type of reconstruction I can get and get a cost if it’s way to expensive I will go public. If I was smaller breasted I wouldn’t care, but I look uneven I get a lot of women are happy going with prosthetics. I’m also one of the lucky 1 in 8 who will suffer hot flushes the rest of my life so I’ve ended up not enjoying that hot sweaty feeling all year round
Afraser
Member
5 years ago
A prosthesis is worthwhile even as a shorter term measure while you consider reconstruction. I had to use a soft pad for an extended period while something else got sorted out and its ‘floating’ quality was irritating, to put it nicely. A proper prosthesis fixed my out of balance spine and stayed put! I was never sure about reconstruction (the whole idea, more surgery as well as cost). As I have found a prosthesis simple, easy and completely acceptable, I will remain unreconstructed. Best wishes.
AllyJay
Member
5 years ago
Hi there Blister...sorry about your problems around reconstruction. Do you realise that you can get a silicone breast prosthesis which medicare will pay $400.00 each? I had a bilateral mastectomy and was seen by a fitter and given two Amoena foobs (fake boobs) and a free bra. Medicare refunded the money in full, after about a week. I also had a pair of crocheted ones as well as knitted ones, but every time I lifted my arms, The whole shebang, bra and all would end up just under my collar bones. If I had had at least one original boob, it might have anchored the stuffy side, but they were not suitable for me.
Blister
Member
5 years ago
@FLClover thank you I think that’s what I will do
FLClover
Member
5 years ago
Hi @Blister
I haven’t had recon yet, but from what I’ve read it can be anywhere between $10-20000 privately. It’s a ridiculous amount. I also wasn’t aware at first that we have to pay so much. Very unfair.
I suggest you check reviews of hospitals in your town that do it, and put yourself on the list for public. You can figure out a different strategy while you’re waiting, but at least your name will be down.

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Reconstruction Costs

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