I am so sorry that you've had to join us here. However, welcome. I hope you find it as helpful and supportive as I have. We're good for a vent, a cry, a rant and surprisingly quite a few laughs.
I, almost inadvertently, went down the private health insurance route to treat my BC. With 20/20 hindsight I would not do this again. We are so significantly out of pocket that it's worrying. Almost everyone here has a very good, and in more than a few cases, better experience in the public health system. The biggest difference seems to be not seeing the same specialist at each appointment. So, being somewhat hard nosed, and acknowledging that I don't know you at all, I would let go of the HBF fight, put the money that you'd otherwise be paying into a special account, and use it to pay for your medication, supplies and complementary therapies that you will use along the way. You've got a long road ahead of you. You might want to conserve your energy for other battles.
Simply, there are two types of breast reconstruction. One uses implants and the other uses your own tissue (most commonly from your belly but also from your back, thighs or bum). Both can be done at the same time as your mastectomy, or later, by inserting expanders. It very much depends on whether you have radiation therapy or not, and from the description of your diagnosis I think you will. You need to talk in detail with your breast surgeon and a plastic surgeon. Your BS will refer you to a PS.
My understanding is that surgery to rebalance your boobs is not charged for in the public system but I'm not a hundred percent on that. Happy to be corrected. What will happen though is that if it's not done all at the same time you'll be on a waiting list.
You are in the best place in the world to have BC. WA has the best survival rates in Australia, and your support services are excellent.
Make sure you get access to a breastcare nurse that you like. They will be able to guide you through the minefield. Ask your BS.
Hang in there Kylie. This is the worst bit. I promise you it gets better once treatment gets under way. Big hug, K xox
@Hils
