Going public - will I have any choices
Hi all - I received a call last week telling me that my biopsies show cancer in one of my breasts. It's not a total surprise as there is a very strong family history of it - I always felt like a tick...
Forum Discussion
Hi southernsun, my name is Rachel and I had breast cancer 25 years ago and went via my private health insurance. I needed a lumpectomy, then had chemo and radiation.
My dear friend was diagnosed with metastatic BC last year and went via the public system here in Qld.
She had to have her breast removed, which was her choice and recommended, but they were unable to provide her with a bilateral mastectomy, given that the cancer was only present in 1 breast. They would not do both under the public health system at the same time. She was of the same opinion as you, she did not want to have the other one there thinking she might develop cancer in the other breast in the future. She just wanted them both removed.
She was going to see if she could get on a list for elective surgery for the other breast. The other option for her is to join private health, wait the 12 months, and get the surgery done that way.
I am not sure of the requirements in your state, but if you are going public, I am thinking it might be the same outcome.
I am sure this is a very stressful time for you with the recent diagnosis, so reaching out as you have done may get you some varying options and advice that I hope will help with your decision.
Regards, Rachel
My dear friend was diagnosed with metastatic BC last year and went via the public system here in Qld.
She had to have her breast removed, which was her choice and recommended, but they were unable to provide her with a bilateral mastectomy, given that the cancer was only present in 1 breast. They would not do both under the public health system at the same time. She was of the same opinion as you, she did not want to have the other one there thinking she might develop cancer in the other breast in the future. She just wanted them both removed.
She was going to see if she could get on a list for elective surgery for the other breast. The other option for her is to join private health, wait the 12 months, and get the surgery done that way.
I am not sure of the requirements in your state, but if you are going public, I am thinking it might be the same outcome.
I am sure this is a very stressful time for you with the recent diagnosis, so reaching out as you have done may get you some varying options and advice that I hope will help with your decision.
Regards, Rachel