Emotions and costs of BC
Since the initial shock of diagnosis I have had so many emotions and many new ones and unfortunately many old ones. Something that has bothered me from Day one is the feeling that we, newly diagnosed...
Forum Discussion
Hi HarleyB
I wonder where you live ? I am in regional Vic but was rural previously. I am sure there are big differences in treatment options and costs throughout Australia.
I was never even offered immediate reconstruction, let alone having the choice of both breasts off. I found out much later that the surgeon I went to does not do reconstruction (just chop chop) hence not being offered that - then he would not have got the job, eh ? Once the time came I even found the prosthesis people charged me more than the RRP ! Go figure.
Not being old enough for the pension and living on a combined 'wage' of $15,000 pa we do have to try to work out what is necessary - and seeing the surgeon so he can say every 6 months how wonderful his job was (Um ? It is xxxx ! Bet his wife would not accept such a crap job) then having to pay a huge out of pocket for his looking simply does not fall into the category of necessity.
Hi Melclarity
Unfortunately God is not helping me with any serenity ! He has now thrown in a partner being diagnosed with Dementia so I am feeling a bit let-down ! (Stop laughing !).
Hi again Sandra
Yes, do write that letter when you feel up to it. Anything might help the next person. I did speak with the surgeon's receptionist but her answer was that "that is what he charges". Sooooo - I don't go.
Same with the cost of Tamoxifen - if I die a bit earlier from not taking it then that is what is meant to be. The chemical companies get a heap out of us poor gals.
Thinking of you as you go through treatment. May you fly through it with no complications and with lots of emotional support.
Hugs to all Summer :-)
I wonder where you live ? I am in regional Vic but was rural previously. I am sure there are big differences in treatment options and costs throughout Australia.
I was never even offered immediate reconstruction, let alone having the choice of both breasts off. I found out much later that the surgeon I went to does not do reconstruction (just chop chop) hence not being offered that - then he would not have got the job, eh ? Once the time came I even found the prosthesis people charged me more than the RRP ! Go figure.
Not being old enough for the pension and living on a combined 'wage' of $15,000 pa we do have to try to work out what is necessary - and seeing the surgeon so he can say every 6 months how wonderful his job was (Um ? It is xxxx ! Bet his wife would not accept such a crap job) then having to pay a huge out of pocket for his looking simply does not fall into the category of necessity.
Hi Melclarity
Unfortunately God is not helping me with any serenity ! He has now thrown in a partner being diagnosed with Dementia so I am feeling a bit let-down ! (Stop laughing !).
Hi again Sandra
Yes, do write that letter when you feel up to it. Anything might help the next person. I did speak with the surgeon's receptionist but her answer was that "that is what he charges". Sooooo - I don't go.
Same with the cost of Tamoxifen - if I die a bit earlier from not taking it then that is what is meant to be. The chemical companies get a heap out of us poor gals.
Thinking of you as you go through treatment. May you fly through it with no complications and with lots of emotional support.
Hugs to all Summer :-)