Newly diagnosed over Christmas..

Thank you all for your support, I am truly amazed by the friendly helpful responses from so many wonderfully strong women. I guess you don’t realize how many women go through this horrid journey until it happens to you. I tried to get support from the Breast councillor at the public hospital I will be treated at, apparently she is on holidays till February. I contacted Beyond Blue and spoke to lady who said breast cancer wasn’t really her area, and to keep busy...Where does one go to get support for anxiety and depression that has worsened since being diagnosed?

I went public and only paid for my oral medications. Everything else was covered by medicare. Ask questions of oncologist and breast care nurse about costs to be sure. 

Good points @zoffiel.  I had forgotten about the hospital pharmacy costs and those of us who have access to metro services have no real idea of the difficulties faced by those in regional areas.

Hi @tidden I thought I might add a bit to this thread for the information of any newbies who might not live in, or close to, a major centre.

Chemotherapy is free as you are admitted to the hospital on the day. What is not free are the discharge medications.  Depending on what they are--steroids, analgesics, antiemetics etc-- there can be some expense there. A word if warning about discharge meds , don't be tempted to get those scripts filled at the hospital pharmacy. Public hospitals, by law, have to charge the full PBS price (or concession price) and that can be considerably more than what you will pay at a wholesale/discount pharmacy. I'm talking about $10 per script for some drugs. Shop around.

Another significant cost for rural people can be specialist fees. Not all hospitals have public oncology clinics and if they don't you have to pay to see a private oncologist. Here in North East Victoria that is a very expensive exercise. Rural folk need to ask where the nearest public service is and consider whether it is a better option to travel. You are not always informed of those options, particularly in areas where there is what amounts to cartel behaviour by specialist groups. Asking questions saved me thousands of dollars in oncologist fees for little inconvenience.

Follow up scans can also be expensive if you need/want MRI or PET or bone scans for example. Cross that bridge when you come to it, but be mindful that once your cancer has been confirmed you no longer qualify for the Medicare rebate for some diagnostic procedures. Which sucks.

Good luck and try not to stress too much about the wait for surgery, a couple of weeks won't make a huge difference. That said, by the time my double mastectomy surgery date came around (I had to have chemo first) I was ready to chew those puppies off myself, so the extra time can give you some space to get your head around things. Mxx

Hi Tidden, sorry to see you here ,welcome to this forum of very informative people.
I was recently diagnosed in late October 2018, had a partial mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy on December 19th. 
I was like you, why do I have to wait so long for surgery ( I am also in the public sector).
I asked my surgeon that very question, he replied if I thought you urgently needed the operation sooner it would have been booked sooner.
Try not to worry and overthink things, one day at a time, I’m only just ahead of you, like all these beautiful people we know how you’re feeling. 
I haven’t yet been out of pocket for expenses, and after talking to other people that have been through the public system in the last 12 months, I’m not expecting any. Not sure about the hormonal drugs that you take for years after though, as I won’t be taking those as my cancer is a triple negative.
Take deep breaths one day at a time.I did a short course on meditation and mindfulness which was a great help to me , especially with my anxiety which was through the roof. We are so well aware of what the unknown does to you and how it makes you feel, just remember you’re not alone we are always hear to listen.
Try and keep busy, I threw myself into housework, gardening, do something that you love doing.
This forum is great to ask any questions that you may have and someone will respond.
Do you have a breast care nurse you can talk to?
Have you been offered any counselling?
Everyone says that it gets easier once you know things and have a plan.
I will be getting my plan tomorrow since having surgery.
Any questions just ask away we are all here for each other.

Sending big hugs your way ❤️

Thank you all for your overwhelming support and comments. I’m feeling so much better and positive already. I understand it’s a hard journey for us all, and some a longer journey. Good luck and warm wishes to you all.

So appreciative 
Tidden💗

Hi kitkatb, thank you for your kind words, I had no idea what a supportive network this would be. I actually received my admission date this morning; 31st Jan, so not too long a wait. Waiting for results will be traumatic, I’m hoping my lymph nodes are clear.... but that’s getting ahead of myself. Everyone says take one day at a time, so that’s the plan. I’m thankful for the public health system, without it, like many others, would be lost without it.

Take care
Tidden💗

Hi @Tidden,    Sorry about your diagnosis and the waiting is just the pits but after saying that 4 weeks is about the amount of time I had to wait as well. I went through the public system and didn't pay for anything at all except car parking a a few prescriptions.  Once you have a plan with your team you will find it a lot easier to move forward.  Big hugs to you and you will find this forum a great place to ask questions and have a good rant and rave or a few laughs along the way. xox

Hi @Tidden  I was diagnosed through Breastscreen in 2017 and I went through the public system and have paid nothing for any treatment or any follow up screening, nor car parking for radiation as they gave me a sticker for the car for the whole time of treatment. All the best in waiting time which can be a mental challenge. This site is great for support and info. Sorry you are here with us. Take it a step at a time Hugs