Forum Discussion

Tidden's avatar
Tidden
Member
7 years ago

Newly diagnosed over Christmas..

Hello to everyone going through this frightening journey. I am a 59 yo post menopausal woman who at this moment feels absolute terror. i had a routine mammogram and was recalled due to cancer being detected. Grade 2 established after core biopsies. I’m still coming to grips with the diagnosis, for some odd reason, I felt routine mammograms would have detected the cancer sooner.

 I am going through the public health system so have to wait up to four weeks to have surgery. The price to pay if you can’t afford private health insurance. I’m not complaining about the wait, I’m thankful our public health system is so accessible.

I have been to the Breast & Cancer clinic three times and not once has any health professional discussed the cost of radiotherapy or chemotherapy. I was under the impression that all the treatments would be covered by Medicare. Today, my friend informed me that post surgery treatment would cost thousands of dollars! I had no idea. I don’t have the finance to cover the costs involved and would appreciate input from anyone in the same financial crisis.

 Hoping to receive any advice.

Kind regards 

Tidden
  • Hi there

    Welcome, sorry you have to be here but you will find it a helpful and supportive place to be. I did have hospital insurance but I know many people have found the public sector to provide excellent support and services and I am sure they can advise and reassure you. I am equally sure that your wait for surgery will not be critical - but understandably difficult as you are both naturally apprehensive but wanting it over! Friends are very important at this time but it pays to treat "information"  - especially from people with no first hand experience - with caution. It's well intended mainly, but can cause concern unnecessarily. We've all felt that terror and disbelief at first, but it does help when you have a plan of action. Don't hesitate to ask questions - of your medical advisers most of all, but here as well. I am six years post diagnosis - one boob, no evidence of disease, living a normal and happy life. Keep your spirits up. Best wishes.