Newly diagnosed - private or public

Hi @Hankster, like you I am in SA I had to have radiotherapy recently and had it in a public hospital,we were also able to stay at the Cancer Council Lodge in Adelaide at no cost to us, as was the radiotherapy,I was treated very well and have nothing but praise for the staff,it really must be a hard decsion for those with private as to what to do, we do not have private health so did not have that worry, and whats more important to me I have had the same oncologist for the last 9 years at the same hospital,so in my case I have been extremely fortunate, I do know of women interstate who have gone public and never see the same dr twice.I guess it just depends where you live and which hospital you go to.
wendy55

Hey @NikkiJ6 I’m a bit late to the party but I’m a GC TNBC chick too. I went private (had the insurances etc) but I know a lot of the lovelies who have gone public at both GC Uni Hospital or Robina and the Breastcare nurses rock on that pathway. I also had a private oncologist and surgeon who were “no gap” (incredible but true!). 

I was in the private system when first diagnosed and I have to say I still had lots of out of pocket expenses. I had to give up work and am now in public system. I had a recent recurrence and had radiation therapy with 2 weeks. I was very have with care I received publicly. I am in sa 

Re the payout, remember you may need support whilst undergoing treatment, even if only day surgery like my Nana was lucky to get away with, though my mother had surgery through public and onc is through public, though no reconstruction needed thankfully, but clearing the nodes has stopped her driving so she’s had extra costs for home support and pain meds not on PBS. Hopefully you get a smooth quick ride like my Nana, and my mother isn’t the heaviest need, but she’s needing funds for supports through treatment, not just Drs and hospital. Hth and good luck 

I would agree with Cath62.
See the Breast Surgeon privately, so that you can get started as quick as possible. 
From my finding the lump to Mastectomy, was 10 days. I was happy with this. I just wanted it out.
Getting specific details of your cancer and a plan of action.
For some ladies here surgery does not come first, but after Chemo.
I don't know how to get into Chemo Publicly, perhaps after surgery. But I'm sure it can be done.
I was a Private patient(insured), but both my Breast Surgeon and Oncologist said I could have Radiotherapy as a Public Patient. This is what I did, and I was very happy with my care. They told me that Privately I would be out of pocket by thousands of dollars.
Reconstruction could be done with your insurance money later, or sign up for Private insurance checking on cost and pre existing condition.  A friend of mine did this with her knee replacements. She found it cost effective, but you would need to check this for yourself.
If you have Income insurance you may want to start that paperwork too.
All the best with your treatments.

Sorry I just noticed your first post was May 13, I expect a lot has happened since.

In Perth can anyone recommend oncologist public and private please I'm North of the river.
Started out a private but wanting to know if in the public system are you looked after.
Thank you

Hi @NikkiJ6
As many others have commented on here , the emotional /psychological impacts of a breast cancer diagnosis can be huge on top of the physical impacts.Crying , shock , anger, “ out of body “ feelings ( “ cancer - isn’t that fine thing that happens to someone else?”) are all perfectly normal.
You can vent in here any time -we have all been there in one way or another.
Take it one step at a time and take comfort in the fact we have a great medical system , the PET scan was good and you have a supportive hubby.
You will get through this.
I found listening to the podcasts by Dr Charlotte Tottman referred yo in the “ Announcements “above very helpful - she was a psychologist specialising in  cancer related distress who herself was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Hi Arpie,
I’ve been absent. My PET scan was good, had no signs of spread and I am still at stage 2 unless something changes when we get to surgery.

Hi @NikkiJ6
Great that things are moving along - all the best for your PET scan this arvo xx.  Terrific that you have such good support & love from your family & friends - they will be feeling quite bewildered, too.  Lean on them (and us) when you need that extra bit of support - and ask us ANY questions - no matter how small you think they may be - every question is important.  

Have you been able to join the Young Women's group?  I hope the Mods will also consider starting a dedicated TNBC group, as it is such a specific treatment plan - and we have quite a few members who are TNBC who would probably join.  

I'm with @greyhound re your $$ ..... try & hang on to it for your own use if you 'can' go public for everything .... keep it as your 'Special Treats Funds' along the way - to help you & the family thru the treatment.  I treated myself to a week's holiday at Norfolk Island after I finished my active treatment ... it was wonderful.  Has there been any mention of Radiology yet?  Maybe check with the Onc tomorrow?   But definitely ask for a quote re the surgery (if still thinking of going private), so there aren't any nasty surprises!!  I was expecting a gap of about $3-4000 (from the quote), but with 'other gaps' along the way & unexpected fees like my pathology - it almost doubled.  

The genetic testing will probably cost you about $3-5,000 and usually you can't claim it from funds - but no harm in asking ..... it gives so much more information for your team to work with - and is usually well worth doing.  We had it done with hubby's cancer diagnosis last year.  Our hope is that eventually it will be the FIRST thing done re all cancer diagnoses for a more accurate assessment - not an optional extra for only those who can afford it xx 

Were you thinking of reconstruction if you go with the mastectomy, or do you think you will go 'flat & fantastic'?  Sometimes, even going private with reconstruction, there can be big costs & if going public, can take some years before it can be done (totally unfair, as it should all be covered, I reckon!)  You can also join the Reconstruction group if you like, to ask them of their experiences. xx. Some put up before, during & after pics, so you'll have an idea of what to expect - but as you are having your chemo first, you don't have to make an urgent decision on that one. xx

Take care xx

Hi nikki,
I am in Melbourne and have no private insurance.
I dropped my cover a few years ago.
I have been extremely happy with the care I have received and it hasn't cost a cent.
I am treated at Peter Mac, and I see a  consultant oncologist and breast surgeon
The $50000 you talk of is nice to know you have.
I'd definetly way up your options before using it for your treatment. 
Best of luck xxx