I was diagnosed just over a week ago. Amid all the shock, at least in the back of my mind I thought, at least I'm covered with HBF. It was only when I was sitting in the office at the private hospital that the receptionist told me my HBF card wasn't working and I called them and they told me they cancelled my policy in May when a payment didn't go through. They said I could just back-pay the last few months and be reinstated but then they put me on hold for 25 minutes and when they came back on the line they said I had to sign up for a new policy and pre-existing conditions would not be covered! And this was the day after my diagnosis, so my brand new condition was now "pre existing"! I was devastated. I've been with them for nine years. Don't know whether to try to fight or not. So now I'm not sure what my options are, the public hospital hasn't contacted me for my first appointment yet. In the mean time I've had my bone and CT scans done, I have a 5 cm tumour and at least two lymph nodes, so stage 2 bordering on stage 3 basically.The private surgeon I saw said I need all the breast tissue and nipple removed but there is no cancer on the nipple or skin, so I wanted to ask if anyone else has had a similar experience and fought to save their skin and nipple? I asked for a reconstruction and he said if I want that they have to put an expander in and do a second surgery later. Has anyone managed to get it all done at once? Also my breasts are large (10G) so he said there are no implants as big as my breasts. I wouldn't mind going smaller on the other side too, is that an option? The surgeon made it sound like that's something I'll have to do on my own at a later date.Thanks guys if anyone reads this, I'm in Perth so I don't know if that affects anything.

That’s all very unsettling but two things - public can be every bit as good and if you have the energy (cancer can use up quite a lot), fight! After nine years, commonsense says HBF might have sent a reminder, overdue notice, anything! Best wishes.

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

My God, I am so angry at HBF right now. That is beyond rude, its fully evil. I know they are a business but surely there are human beings in there making some decisions? Having said that, I tend to agree with kmakm. You have got bigger fish to fry right now. Focus on getting prepared. Keep your eyes on the prize.It's a tough time ahead but you will make it through!

Hi @KylieG, as the others have said, I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis (and health find mixup), but joining this group will bring you much support, knowing you are not alone.I am also in Perth and have been very happy with the care I have received since diagnosis in February this year. I had my op privately but stayed in the public system for radiotherapy (SCGH- excellent!) which saved heaps of out of pocket expenses. My experience so far, is the medical and breast care services in Perth are amazing and have a very good reputation. Hopefully you have a surgeon you can trust, and know that they are doing their very best for you. Sending you all my good wishes xx

Thanks Arpie! And today more good news- HBF is reinstating my cover! My girlfriends came over on the weekend and helped me write a complaint to them and they called me today and said it was their error that they never communicated with me that the cover was being cancelled so they allowed me to back-pay and continue with my previous level of cover! <3 I'm thrilled about that but still going public now as I was so impressed with Fiona Stanley.

What a time to find out you're not covered by HBF! And can I save my nipple?

60 Replies

Blossom1961
Member
6 years ago
One step at a time and you will get there. Don’t try to guess what will happen, just hope. My mass was obvious from before chemo so it was a no brainer that I would need the whole lot removed regardless of how well I responded to the chemo. As it turns out, the biopsy of my removed boob showed no living cancer but the two nodes were still active with cancer.
KylieG
Member
6 years ago
Oh, that might happen to me too I guess!
Blossom1961
Member
6 years ago
@KylieG Mine had shrunk enough for me to have just a lumpectomy but because of the huge mass which couldn’t be confirmed dead, it was best to remove the lot.
KylieG
Member
6 years ago
@Blossom1961 yes that's right hormone negative and her2 positive and two nodes as well. I'm hoping if it shrinks I don't have to have the full mastectomy but I guess that's to be seen! Quite a road ahead that you've already been on! Thanks Arpie for the hugs!
arpie
Member
6 years ago
All the best with the chemo, @KylieG - as @Blossom1961 says - it is doable. I can only imagine how you are feeling right now. xx Big Hugs coming your way xx
Blossom1961
Member
6 years ago
@KylieG Are You hormone -ve and Her2+? That was my scenario. Three spots ranging from 1 - 4.2 cm plus a large spreading mass of haze that had cancer in it plus two node involvement. Chemo first for me then mastectomy and anxillery (node) clearance. It was doable but a shock at the time. Big hugs.
KylieG
Member
6 years ago
Well I had the MRI and my appointment today and it's all changed- they say the cancer is bigger than they thought- it's 6.4 centimetres and previously they thought 5 cms. So now they want to do chemotherapy for 4-6 months starting next week! Can't say I feel ready for chemo but I guess nobody ever does. I also found out today from the nurse (everyone forgot to mention this to me!) that the cancer is not responsive to oestrogen or progesterone but it is her2 receptive. That was a surprise. Anyway it's been a sad day for me, I'm feeling low about the prospect of chemo.
KylieG
Member
6 years ago
Yes Primek I felt so much more at home after this visit to the public hospital! I grew up using public and there's something comforting about it to me. You have to wait, but if it's urgent, they'll look after you.
primek
Member
6 years ago
Wonderful news on both counts. I was able to use my private cover in the public system, which got me a free TV. Lol. But I've had all my treatment even chemo using public services but still use private cover. No gap fees. I think the public does better with the support services than private seems to.
kmakm
Member
6 years ago
Bloody brilliant!

Forum Discussion

What a time to find out you're not covered by HBF! And can I save my nipple?

60 Replies

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