Forum Discussion

Jennt28's avatar
Jennt28
Member
13 years ago

Mastectomy support inequality - public hospital, private patient

So I have just had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction in a public hospital as a private patient. My intake form says that my right MX was for breast cancer and my left was prophylactic. I am also currently still a public patient with this same hospital for my ongoing oncology appointments and 3 weekly herceptin infusions. Despite all this, I have had NO access to the breast care nurse during my stay and have been offered no resources or information, where women down the hall get a visit and resources. This inequality in access to support and resources is just stupid and seems quite "wrong". Anyone else faced the same along the way as a private patient? If you did get access to the nurse what sort of resources were you given or offered? My discharge sheet says I am supposed to start wearing a wireless bra 24hrs a day from week 2. I have no idea the best place to go and find one of these - and how do I shop for one when I will still have steristrips then (and no energy)? Jenn

6 Replies

  • CheleC's avatar
    CheleC
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Jenn,

    So sorry to hear you've endured all those extra problems - as if having breast cancer & a double mastectomy isn't enough!!!!!!!

    Just wondering where you are from, (suburb'state)  As I have very large breasts, I found great difficulty locating "post-surgery" bras in my size.  I eventually checked out a website for Dickory Dock, which is in Camberwell Vic.  You can order on line from them as well, which is helpful if you know your size & can't get there.  Depending on where you live, maybe you could call & speak to the staff there, they were very helpful & compassionate.

    Good luck & please let us know how you're going.  Take good care of yourself.

     

    Chele xx <3 xx

  • CheleC's avatar
    CheleC
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Jenn,

    So sorry to hear you've endured all those extra problems - as if having breast cancer & a double mastectomy isn't enough!!!!!!!

    Just wondering where you are from, (suburb'state)  As I have very large breasts, I found great difficulty locating "post-surgery" bras in my size.  I eventually checked out a website for Dickory Dock, which is in Camberwell Vic.  You can order on line from them as well, which is helpful if you know your size & can't get there.  Depending on where you live, maybe you could call & speak to the staff there, they were very helpful & compassionate.

    Good luck & please let us know how you're going.  Take good care of yourself.

     

    Chele xx <3 xx

  • CheleC's avatar
    CheleC
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Jenn,

    So sorry to hear you've endured all those extra problems - as if having breast cancer & a double mastectomy isn't enough!!!!!!!

    Just wondering where you are from, (suburb'state)  As I have very large breasts, I found great difficulty locating "post-surgery" bras in my size.  I eventually checked out a website for Dickory Dock, which is in Camberwell Vic.  You can order on line from them as well, which is helpful if you know your size & can't get there.  Depending on where you live, maybe you could call & speak to the staff there, they were very helpful & compassionate.

    Good luck & please let us know how you're going.  Take good care of yourself.

     

    Chele xx <3 xx

  • chrismelb's avatar
    chrismelb
    Member
    13 years ago

    You pay all that money for coverage and then seem to miss out on the services. When you are in the public they send so many different services to try to help out.  I'd be furious if i was you. I also think it depends on the hospital. Good luck.

     

  • Jennt28's avatar
    Jennt28
    Member
    13 years ago
    I had a BMX with immediate free TRAM. I did run into the breast care nurse in the hallway the other day (I know her since I have been getting treated here since last December and saw her briefly after my initial lumpectomy) and she was her usual "bright breezy in a hurry" self and clearly told me that she couldn't see me since I am here as a private patient. I only got my instruction sheet with the info about the bra after hours last night and now it is Saturday and I'm due to go home tomorrow... You are right - I can always call her on Monday and ask for advice which I will do. Jenn
  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    13 years ago

    I 'm sure you are entitled to see the breast care nurse whether you are private or a public patient. You haven't had very fair treatment and your discharge paper seems to have very brief instructions.I had my mastectomy as a private patient in a public hospital and the staff and resources were great.My breast care nurse rang me at home each week for 4 weeks to check on me.Could you ring the breast care nurse and ask to see her? Tell us abit more about the type of reconstruction you had and which area you live in.There is bound to be someone on this site who can help you.So sorry to hear that you've had a rough deal in hospital.I hope you are recovering ok.

                                                 Tonya xx