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tonnic2's avatar
tonnic2
Member
12 years ago

My Journey is only beginning....

To begin with, your posts have been comforting and inspiring.... Thankyou and bless you all.

I'm 39 years old and in September 2013 I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer with a 3.5cm tumour. Grade 3, medium to high radiation....I felt it but didnt want to admit there was anything wrong. The mammograms and scans followed. An auxillary clearance with total lymph removal (no node invasion) was unsuccessful. The tissue clearance fell short. A week later a full mastectomy took place...With a breast size of G cup the difference couldnt be missed!  Then the bills rolled in and rolled in and are still rolling in...... I swore I would never have chemo, radiation or tamoxifen....I would make green smoothies and eat organic to help fill the cloud of denial.....until yesterday.  

I met with the oncologist to find that I was stupid to deny chemo. I now have been given two options 1)- Tamoxifen and 9 weeks of chemo with a cold cap or 2)- low grade chemo over a period of 24 weeks? All while trying to figure out how to switch from private to public so I can afford to live. SCGH have rejected my referral to the Breast Centre as I dont live in the 'boundaries'. I'm located in the peel region Western Australia and would have no idea how to organise to have a second mastectomy, double reconstruction and begin chemo in the public sector. My journey is only just beginning but to find the right medical dr who can help is really hard. 

If anyone knows of any oncologist or reconstruction surgeon they can refer me to I would be very grateful. xxxx

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  • tonnic2's avatar
    tonnic2
    Member
    12 years ago
    Thanks Jodie after all the running around I think I might be on the right track........ I think...!!!! LOL!!
  • paulag's avatar
    paulag
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hey tonnic2, I live in australind and we have a wonderful breast care nurse here. We actually have two.. They are based at the cancer care at St. John of God in Bunbury. I am sure they could help you. Feel free to fire away any questions you might have. I was diagnosed in September 2012. Xx
  • paulag's avatar
    paulag
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hey tonnic2, I live in australind and we have a wonderful breast care nurse here. We actually have two.. They are based at the cancer care at St. John of God in Bunbury. I am sure they could help you. Feel free to fire away any questions you might have. I was diagnosed in September 2012. Xx
  • Mich_x's avatar
    Mich_x
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hey Tonnic2

    Welcome to BCNA and your new group of pink sisters.  We all understand your initial denial when you found you lump.  I think we all go in to a bitt of denial for a while.

    If SCGH has rejected your referral - where do they suggest you go for your treatment and surgeries.  Have you spoken with any of the breast nurses within SCGH breast centre? Or can I suggest you contact Cancer Council on 131120 as they will do everything in their power to help you or alternatively there is Breast Cancer Care W.A. which are also extremely helpful.  If you explain your situation they may be able to help you out.

    I am in Midland in Perth so I am not toooooooo far away from you.

    Let us know how you go and hopefully other pink sisters like lovely Jodie will also hop on here and offer more advice to help your situation.

    I was referred to SCGH Hospital and I was living 400klms North of Perth?????  Do they have chemo and breast surgeons available for you in the Peel Region??

    Lots of love always, Mich xoxooxxo

    Lots of love always, Mich xoxoxoxoxo

  • LouiseTurner's avatar
    LouiseTurner
    In Memoriam
    12 years ago

    Hi Tonnic2, welcome to the network which is a great place for information and support.

    I am not in western australia so cant really help out there but i know you are a new member on the private breast reconstruction group where there is a recent post regarding reconstruction surgeons in Perth which is i believe about 75km north of the Peel region. This link will take you to that discussion where other West australain ladies are chatting and sharing info.

    http://www.bcna.org.au/network/groups/61026/blog/67712

    You might also be interested in the group Perth Women http://www.bcna.org.au/group/25713 to answer questions about the health system in your state.

    Good luck and i hope you find your answers. Medical bills can be crippling and the public system works very well in my experience.