38yo solo mama, what is happening?!

I was in a similar situation as you (I.e. new lovely GP who just arrived in Australia). She didn’t know who/ where to refer me to but she asked around. I was referred to a public hospital and she called the hospital saying my case was urgent and I managed to see the public breast surgeon within a week. But after that, the PET scan, biopsy appts etc took forever as the public hospital is very busy.

I subsequently came to know of a well known  private surgeon through friends recommendations and also asking the ladies in this online network. Consulted him and had surgery within a week. Like what Arpie says, with public the waiting time is always going to be longer. I found that after I switched to private, things went extremely fast! From appointments to getting any of my test results. If you plan to go private, and not sure which doc to choose, you can create another post and ask ladies who reside in The Sunshine Coast. You will want a good surgeon. My tumor was doubled the size of what the pre surgery scan reported and having a good surgeon is critical. My surgery had clear margins so I didn’t need another surgery!

once you consulted the beast surgeon, he/she will tell you of the surgery and treatment plan. You are given the option to decide (if options are available e.g. lumpectomy vs mastectomy). 

P.s. in Melbourne most of the surgeons work in public and private. Mine work in the public system as well but I wouldn’t have the opportunity to ‘choose’ him + there is also the waiting game.

Hope the above helps. 

GIn