Rural surgeon vs city surgeon
Hi ,Newly diaganosis Friday the 13th DCIS, very scared and anxious, what’s people’s thoughts on surgeons in rural areas or should I go to Sydney , from western NSW
Forum Discussion
Dear @Rachelvill and @SoldierCrab,
Yes I do live near Dubbo. Rachelvill, it sounds like you are right at the beginning, and perhaps don't know what treatment will be recommended yet; but here is my Dubbo story in case it is helpful to you.
In May 2017 I was diagnosed with BC. I do have private health insurance, and was connected with Dr Dean Fisher, highly regarded surgeon who operates at Dubbo Private Hospital. Not sure if Dr Fisher operates at Dubbo Base. I had a lumpectomy at Dubbo Private - couldn't fault any treatment from Dr Fisher or hospital staff.
The two breast care nurses based at Dubbo Community Health are wonderful for support, advocating for you, information, and liaising with other players.
The Alan Coates Cancer Centre at Dubbo Base provides chemotherapy if needed and GP service for cancer patients. Again the staff here are wonderful. I was able to drive to and from chemo.
I did have to go to Orange Base Hospital for radiotherapy, as this treatment is not available in Dubbo yet. I stayed at the Cancer Care Lodge on Orange Hospital grounds. This was a wonderful home away from home.
The chemo and radiotherapy were part of the public health system - no charge!! Which was wonderful because my job finished when I was diagnosed LOL.
Ongoing followup support at the Alan Coates Cancer Centre has been very good.
So here I am two and a half years later doing well. For me, Dubbo based services were the right choice for professional treatment and support, family, and cost reasons. Hope to hear from you soon. Best wishes from @jennyss in Western NSW.
Yes I do live near Dubbo. Rachelvill, it sounds like you are right at the beginning, and perhaps don't know what treatment will be recommended yet; but here is my Dubbo story in case it is helpful to you.
In May 2017 I was diagnosed with BC. I do have private health insurance, and was connected with Dr Dean Fisher, highly regarded surgeon who operates at Dubbo Private Hospital. Not sure if Dr Fisher operates at Dubbo Base. I had a lumpectomy at Dubbo Private - couldn't fault any treatment from Dr Fisher or hospital staff.
The two breast care nurses based at Dubbo Community Health are wonderful for support, advocating for you, information, and liaising with other players.
The Alan Coates Cancer Centre at Dubbo Base provides chemotherapy if needed and GP service for cancer patients. Again the staff here are wonderful. I was able to drive to and from chemo.
I did have to go to Orange Base Hospital for radiotherapy, as this treatment is not available in Dubbo yet. I stayed at the Cancer Care Lodge on Orange Hospital grounds. This was a wonderful home away from home.
The chemo and radiotherapy were part of the public health system - no charge!! Which was wonderful because my job finished when I was diagnosed LOL.
Ongoing followup support at the Alan Coates Cancer Centre has been very good.
So here I am two and a half years later doing well. For me, Dubbo based services were the right choice for professional treatment and support, family, and cost reasons. Hope to hear from you soon. Best wishes from @jennyss in Western NSW.