Forum Discussion

Nimsy's avatar
Nimsy
Member
10 years ago

Reconstruction dilema

Hi,

This is my first post, been reading and feeling the love from the community since my diagnosis in August.

I was diagnosed with BC and had a left mastectomy and full nodal clearance with in 10 days.  I went privately and out of pocket costs were not too bad and the time frame suited me as I have 2 young children and the thought of waiting was not an option.

I am currently in round 4 of tac chemo.  I am managing, having life not stop with my little ones really keeps me grounded and focused on life instead of how crappy I feel.  I have my last chemo just after Christmas and am then looking at five weeks of radiation in the new year.

I know I will need to wait a year after radiation before I can have a reconstruction, but I plan on having my right breast removed and a reconstruction of both.  I would love to go private again as I like my surgeon and trust her judgement implicitly, e.g. her referrals but have been told that gaps in private situations can be up to $15,000.  Can anyone let me know if the public system is reliable?  If I need to get me name on the list now would be the time but I am worried that you don't get any choice and just pushed along in the system.

Thanks

 

 

 

 

8 Replies

  • Nimsy's avatar
    Nimsy
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thanks Chris,

    I just saw that I have been accepted into the reconstruction group, so I guess I will start reading and getting an idea.

    Glad to hear the public system was good and you are happy with your results.

    Thanks
    Michelle

  • Nimsy's avatar
    Nimsy
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thanks Summer,

    Yeah I just found it a bit overwhelming when I realised that the reconstruction was so different.  I spoke with my original surgeon today and she had a few options for me, so I guess I will look into it in the new year.  Lucky enough I have a lot of time to weigh my options.

    Good luck on your journey.

    Michelle

  • Nimsy's avatar
    Nimsy
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thanks Ann-Marie,

    I have applied, just waiting to be accepted.
    Thanks
    Michelle

  • Nimsy's avatar
    Nimsy
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thanks Megan,

    Those tests always add up

    Glad to hear the quote was pretty accurate.

    Thanks
    Michelle

  • Chorsell's avatar
    Chorsell
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi nimsy 

    I had my recon in the public system and was very happy.  Although I did have immediate recon following my mastectomy so did not have too many issues with wait times.

    if you have not already joined the Breast Reconstruction online group it may be a good place to start for more specific perspectives for types of procedures, public vs private and options in different states.

    It can be very difficult trying to navigate all the options so gathering as much information as you can can help you decide on the best option for your situation.

    All the best

    Chris xx

  • June1952's avatar
    June1952
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hello Nimsy

    You are like me, due to the time factor I initially went via the private system and the costs were not too bad.  I did not know the out of pocket expenses would be so high once it came to reconstruction.

    I was to see a surgeon as a private patient first (big expense just for that consultation), then go on the public list to avoid the $9,000 out of pocket expenses for one breast.  Preferring to be operated on by my own surgeon instead of by students means I have put the whole idea on hold.  I do not have the funds to go privately and the other breast would need some nip and tuck work so there goes a heap more dollars.

    A lot depends on your health insurance, your State and the hospital where you would go.  Perhaps other ladies will have more advice if you provide this information.

    You may find your surgeon also operates in the public system.  This may mean that she is in charge of students on the day and she will explain all that to you.  Contact her office and ask the questions.

    Hope this helps.

    Summer  :-)

     

  • Ann-Marie's avatar
    Ann-Marie
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Nimsy,

    Have you thought of sharing your post into the Breast Reconstruction group? Are you a member of this group yet?

    The ladies in this group will be able to provide you with some more information.

    ~ Ann-Marie

  • Meags's avatar
    Meags
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Nimsy,

    I can't comment on the public system, but from previous commentary by various members, it seems to be a bit different from State to State. You might get some more targeted info by identifying which town/city you would go to.

    If you chose to go private, you should get a fairly accurate estimate of out-of-pockets beforehand from your plastic surgeon/health fund. My out-of-pocket estimates for a private reconstruction were pretty accurate, except for an unexpected $800-odd pathology bill for bloods and other tests while I was in ICU.

    Very best wishes

    Megan