Feel in limbo

That's a start, Sheryn. Going private with a medical oncologist will mean paying a fee for each visit. The gap between what they charge and what Medicare gives you back seems to vary from @$120 - $160. I'm sure they have already told you what it will be. If you are going to struggle with that, change back to the public system once you find your feet.

Chemo costs are the same--zero--whether you are public or private. You will have to pay for your discharge medications in both cases. That can be quite pricey. Don't use the hospital pharmacy if you can avoid it. They have to charge the PBS price for all meds while retail pharmacy can set their own price. For example, Endone at the hospital is $21.40, at Chem Warehouse it is $7.40. Go figure.
The big difference between public and private charges starts to be an issue when you get to surgery. Worry about that later but there is lots of good advice to be had here about the gap payments. Marg.

That's good Sherryn not too long to wait. If you can take someone close with you to the appointment. The first oncologist appointment is full on with information. 
Hope you connect with a breast care nurse soon.
Have you received your free My Journey kit from BCNA. It's a wealth of information 
Take care 

Oh ok well hope you feel a little easier with a date now locked in, its only a few weeks and honestly it will be more than fine. Hugs x 

Im in newcastle Melinda

Sheryn sounds good! Ive always done private and it was good all treatment.  Are you in Melbourne? I go to Epworth Freemasons. X Melinda 

Thanks for all your help today. I finally got though to the doctor and was given my medical oncologist name. They gave me an appointment on the 27th this month through the public system. But if I go private i get in on the 22rd of march. I did take the private appointment on the 22rd I hope I have taken the correct path. At least I now have an appointment. 
xxx

Hey Sheryn, I have to say that sounds really odd! Nope I woudnt sit on that at all, so your results were they from your GP or Surgeon as thats very different. Neither of them can comment on what your plan would be but an Oncologist based on your pathology. So whoever said they'd contact an Oncologist? Id ring their office and ask who the Oncologist was you are being referred to, make sure you have that referral and ring the Oncologist directly and ask them about the appointment. Once you get there, that is when all will be explained and you'll know exactly what you have and how the treatment plan should look, as its different for everyone. Let us know how you go!!! Hang in there! xo Hugs Melinda

Hi Sheryn, I agree with everyone else's comments here: you need to make the call. Unfortunately, sometimes it becomes clearer and clearer in this breast cancer 'journey' that we have to be our own best advocates. There's nothing wrong with wanting to get appointments and treatment plans sorted out! Because, once you ahve these things in place, the stress levels do tend to subside a little.

Breast care nurse will want to know who your surgeon is, GP and oncologist so have your information ready so that she can help you.  Alice has given you some great links here! 

http://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/OurMission/OurNurses/FindANurse.aspx you can find a breast care nurse on this link. 

You get some more information and support here https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/ 

Take a breathe and then ring and ask why you haven't heard about your appointment. 
Hugs 
alice