i'm shocked

Hi Again

Seems like there is no set way in this country at all, all states seem to have a different system.  Still not sure what im doing - private or public, although I dread the thought of going to the same public hospital as I had my lumpectomy, (was a bit scary) but im sure there is not alot of difference hospital to hospital its the surgeon and oncologist that matters.

HI SHAZ. WOW TALK ABOUT RIP OFF. I WENT PUBLIC FOR MY PARTIAL MASTECTOMY AND AXILLARY CLEARANCE THEN CHEMO AT WANGARATTA AND RADIATION AT PETER MAC IN BENTLIEGH I DIDNT NEED RECONSTRUCTION BUT HAVE ONE BOOB HALF THE SIZE OF THE OTHER MAKES GETTING CLOSES AND BRA'S INTERESTING. 

ITS WOMEN LIKE YOU MAKE ME SO PROUD YOU ARE AMAZING GIRL. 

AND TO YOU HUSBAND WE COULDNT DO IT WITH OUT THEIR LOVE AND SUPPORT. 

How I wish Australian states worked the same way with all treatment.  I am in Queensland and will be having my chemo at a Private Hospital.  My husband was terrified about what the cost would be.  I have spoken to the staff - the chemo is free.  All other drugs ie anti nausea have to be paid for - about $100 upfront on the first session.  All the physicans are free.  All we have to pay for is whatever our medical fund doesn't ie I have a co-payment of $50 a day (total limit of $250/year).  Because I am seeing my medical oncologist at this private hospital, I will have to pay him as well.  Not too much at all.  I wanted to stay with this private hospital as this is where my surgeon works and it is close to my home.I hope it all works okay for you.  XLeonie  PS  maybe this is something that our wonderful BCNA staff could take on.  My quality background working overtime - I like everything universal and in order!!!!!!

hi netti

i hope its all works out for you hun try to keep your chin up

shaz

Hi Dot42, you answered everything that I was looking for from this site, I wanted to know about expense involved in a reconstruction and all the details of it and I think you answered most of that in your post.  Wonder if most reconstruction surgeons will operate in a public hospital.  That is the part that keeps me awake at night is wondering how to pay for all the surgery.  I am due to have a bilateral masectomy and reconstruction but I too would be willing to wait if I had to pay less.  You are all right it is wrong, I was so shocked when I received my first 2 $500 bills for my chemo drugs, surely that should be covered, no one had ever mentioned I would have to pay for the drugs in a public hospital.  Yes its just money but when you cant work because of treatment and your husband has to take time off to be by your side and you have to pay someone to watch your kids it all adds up.  Sorry about the negaative vibes hope everyone good. thanks

Woops I done all of this within 6 months. 

Yes I face the same out of pocket expenses. My level of Health cover did not cover reconstruction costs so I would have to pay out of my own pocket. Rather than go private some and public some  So I decided to go public for the whole lot..  Not a regret in the world. I was diagnose with BC on 16/9/2010.  Had a bilateral masectomy, and reconstruction with tissue expanders on 4/11/2010.  The 6 week wait  was due to the fact that had a problem with bleeding and bruising easy, that they decided it was better to have two surgeons operating on me to perform my masectomy then the plastic surgeon came in for his bit.  Considering I had 3 surgeons to tie times together, I only waited 6 weeks for my operation.  I think that was fantastic waiting time. In between those 6 weeks I had so many other tests in relation to my blood and MRI. (oh my god imagine what the extra cost would of been for an extra surgeon if i went private)

After the operation I recover for 5 weeks and began having my tissues expa?nder?s expanded? to the size ??I? ?wanted. ??????????? ?????Which is only the original size of my breasts. The Tissue expandeers stay expanded at this size fo 3 months.??

 ??I? ?h?a?d? ?m?y? ?l?a?s?t? ?e?x?p?a?n?s?i?o?n? ?o?n? ?1?7?/?1?2?/?2?0?1?0? ?a?n?d? ?b?e?g?a?n? ????????chemotherapy on 24/12/2010.  I ?finish ?my chemotherapy and? ?now ??g?o? ?b?a?c?k? ?t?o? ?s?e?e??? ?p???l??a?s?t?i?c ?????? ?????????????s????u??r?g?e??o?n? ?t?o?m?o?r?r?o?w? ?t?o? ?b?o?o?k? ?i?n? ????o?p?e?r?a?t?i?o?n? ?f?o?r? ?i?n?s?e?r?t?i?o?n??? ??????o????f? ?s?i?l?i?c?o?n? ?i?m?p?l?a?n?t?s?.

I have not paid one cent for any of my operations or treatments. I have had excellent care and staff were great.

All of this done within 3 months of diagnosis.  

Yes I agree what do i pay private for it there such a big out of pocket costs.

Good luck with all operation.

Dot

thanks girls its not that i cant afford it it just shocked me 10 days before surgery what if i didn't have it 

Hi Shaz,

That's so unfair and yes,health funds are a rip off.You know what makes me mad is all this "pink"fund raising that goes on and we don't benefit from any of it.Apart from this bcna site and the Mcgrath nurses(which are both fantastic) where does all the other "pink"money go?It would be put to good use on us poor buggers that need wigs and reconstructions.I suppose a lot goes on research but it ain't helping cos more women than ever are getting this horrible cancer.This whole breast cancer ride is unfair Shaz-what can I say? Put it on the credit card and clock up a heap of flier points and then go on a free holiday when you are better!

                                 luv Tonya xx

Another test!!  Have a you got a friend in a local member. Maybe you could have a chat but at the end of the day Sharon it is only bloody money.  I know it is hard sometimes to find money but please don't stress about it.  If you have to pay it so be it - on the positive side you will be able to claim it back on your tax.  Please let it go and think about getting well and "back to your new normal".   My husband and I don't have an abundance of money - like most people - but we now look at it exactly as it is - just money - paper only.  Take care XLeonie