Just been diagnosed
how do we decide what to do.Is going public really going to be longer than going private.Read some info that out of pocket could be up to $12000 ,worried that I won’t be able to afford that amount.
Forum Discussion
Hi @Kcteds. Yes, do join the Choosing Breast Reconstruction group. I found it to be incredibly supportive, informative and helpful. I had a double mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction almost three months ago.
It sounds like you have decided you do want reconstruction, is that right? If you're still uncertain, you could go to the Breconda website. They have a good decision making tool there.
I went private and while my out of pocket costs were large, they were not $12,000. It is perfectly in your rights to ask how much the operation will cost. Do you have a breast surgeon? Has he/she given you a list of plastic surgeons they recommend? If so, ring their offices and ask the cost. You could also ask your breast surgeon about the timeline of when you would have your mastectomy, and if you want immediate recon, if would that would alter the date.
My understanding is that the best results are achieved with immediate reconstruction, ie mastectomy & reconstruction in the same operation. I also believe that if you go for this option you won't have to wait too long in Victoria. But again, ask your breast surgeon!
Your breastcare nurse can be a good sounding board and source of information, as are the good folk at the BCNA helpline on 1800 500 258. I like to ask lots of questions and found speaking to lots of people about my recon to be very beneficial.
Are you in Emerald, Victoria? If so, I am not too far away from you. If you'd like to meet and have a chat over a coffee let me know. I'd be happy to help.
Keep the questions coming. Hugs, Kate xox
It sounds like you have decided you do want reconstruction, is that right? If you're still uncertain, you could go to the Breconda website. They have a good decision making tool there.
I went private and while my out of pocket costs were large, they were not $12,000. It is perfectly in your rights to ask how much the operation will cost. Do you have a breast surgeon? Has he/she given you a list of plastic surgeons they recommend? If so, ring their offices and ask the cost. You could also ask your breast surgeon about the timeline of when you would have your mastectomy, and if you want immediate recon, if would that would alter the date.
My understanding is that the best results are achieved with immediate reconstruction, ie mastectomy & reconstruction in the same operation. I also believe that if you go for this option you won't have to wait too long in Victoria. But again, ask your breast surgeon!
Your breastcare nurse can be a good sounding board and source of information, as are the good folk at the BCNA helpline on 1800 500 258. I like to ask lots of questions and found speaking to lots of people about my recon to be very beneficial.
Are you in Emerald, Victoria? If so, I am not too far away from you. If you'd like to meet and have a chat over a coffee let me know. I'd be happy to help.
Keep the questions coming. Hugs, Kate xox