Newly diagnosed - private or public
Hi Yesterday I received preliminary pathology results which said I have an invasive poorly differentiated carcinoma. There were a number of further points noted but the gist is that my lump is cancer...
Forum Discussion
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
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