I had a mastectomy three weeks today , right breast and I am just starting to do some research on reconstruction, but not looking at having it done till the end of the year. I did not hve an expander put in ,the Dr just left some extra skin. I was told it is covered by medicare , if so do you have to go on a waiting list and do you get to choose your surgeon?. If I want to have it done in a private hospital and choose the Dr I want and pay for it , can I still claim some of it back from medicare?. Also I would be having it done in Sydney , has any one had reconstruction done in Sydney and what Dr did you have?. So many to choose from just want to make sure on the Dr . What type of reconstruction is the best to have?. I am having a good day today more positive.Have been such a mess emotionally so many emotions real rollercoaster ride. No tears today YAH first time in a while. Thanks Debbie .xxx

Hi Debbie Great that you are doing some research on reconstruction, as there is a lot to find out. The link below is a resources sheet from BCNA which may help you. http://www.bcna.org.au/sites/default/files/the_beacon_53_resources_sheet.pdf I had a mastectomy in July 2009 and have not had a reconstruction as yet. However, I have done quite a lot of research including the following ... Reading reputable resources (such as those obtained through BCNA), attending a seminar put on by BreaCan in Melbourne - you can subscribe to a BreaCan podcast of their various reconstruction seminars. Their website is www.breacan.org.au. Additionally, I got a referral from my breast surgeon to a plastic surgeon (private system) and had an appointment to discuss what options were best for me. As you would know there are several types of reconstruction and it is important that you talk with your medical team to work out what is best for YOU. e.g. tram flap, implant ... or maybe nothing at all. Unlike your initial mastectomy surgery, reconstruction surgery now is not something you have to rush into. Talk with your medical team and maybe consider making an appointment with a plastic surgeon. Nearly two years on, I don't feel a burning desire to reconstruct, but am glad I've taken the time to do the research about what is best for me, should I shoose to reconstruct down the track. Emotionally, it is a rollercoaster ride - you are not alone there. Good luck and keep in touch if you feel like it. Kym

Thank you so much , yes I am not ready till end of the year if then, but thought I should start doing my research now as there is so much to take in. Thanks for the links. Yes emotionally it is such a ride , did not know I could cry so much. Big hugs Debbie xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hi Debbie, Reconstruction is an important part of our recovery - I am trying to steer my way though the choices... not as easy as I thought, but afer what we have endured, lets hope we end up with great boobs! x

Hi, as a post script to Kyms comments, I am on the waiting list to have my reconstruction done via medicare. Ive been told that it will take about 3 years to be done. So the sooner you get on the list the better. You can have it done privately but I dont know about any refund via medicare. I havnt made up my mine what type of recon I want yet ( or even if Im going to have one), but Im still on the list, the decision can be made closer to the surgery. The info sheet at BCNA is fantastic, but speak to your breast surgeon asap. take care. xxx.

Hi Keryn, My bc support group recently had a plastic surgeon as a guest speaker & he was saying that they can't have you on a waiting list longer than a year or they get fined. The reason he knew this was because his wife works in the admin where this is done. I can't remember the reason but it had to do with it being related to bc & reconstruction not plastic surgery. He also said most people don't know about this. This surgeon works in the public system in Sydney. Loretta xx

Reconstruction ? | BCNA Online Network

74 Replies

Debbie_J
Member
15 years ago
Thank you so much , yes I am not ready till end of the year if then, but thought I should start doing my research now as there is so much to take in. Thanks for the links. Yes emotionally it is such a ride , did not know I could cry so much. Big hugs Debbie xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
KymB
Member
15 years ago
Hi Debbie

Great that you are doing some research on reconstruction, as there is a lot to find out. The link below is a resources sheet from BCNA which may help you.

http://www.bcna.org.au/sites/default/files/the_beacon_53_resources_sheet.pdf

I had a mastectomy in July 2009 and have not had a reconstruction as yet. However, I have done quite a lot of research including the following ... Reading reputable resources (such as those obtained through BCNA), attending a seminar put on by BreaCan in Melbourne - you can subscribe to a BreaCan podcast of their various reconstruction seminars. Their website is www.breacan.org.au. Additionally, I got a referral from my breast surgeon to a plastic surgeon (private system) and had an appointment to discuss what options were best for me. As you would know there are several types of reconstruction and it is important that you talk with your medical team to work out what is best for YOU. e.g. tram flap, implant ... or maybe nothing at all. Unlike your initial mastectomy surgery, reconstruction surgery now is not something you have to rush into. Talk with your medical team and maybe consider making an appointment with a plastic surgeon. Nearly two years on, I don't feel a burning desire to reconstruct, but am glad I've taken the time to do the research about what is best for me, should I shoose to reconstruct down the track. Emotionally, it is a rollercoaster ride - you are not alone there. Good luck and keep in touch if you feel like it. Kym

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Reconstruction ?

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