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Kymvass's avatar
Kymvass
Member
10 years ago

Topsy Turvy Treatment Plan

Topsy Turvy Treatment Plan

So after deciding to take the private route with much out of pocket expense. Ive counted to $16,500 so far and stopped.....

The reason being, is that the 'team' are taking a different Order of Things for a better outcome for me - which is expensive. Whenever you do something out of the ordinary it is obviously more expensive for the convenience. 

I have had 7/8 neoadjuvent chemotherapy. Normally, it would now be:

1.  Mastectomy (bilateral of my choice), with Tissue Expanders

2. then radiotherapy,

3. then reconstruction.

But we are now doing:

1. radiotherapy,

2. then skin sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction, nipples and all while still in hospital (no expanders needed :))

To save me the number of surgeries and I'm using my buttocks as a donor site instead of implants. The main reason being is that I want an END date to all of this. I dont want to be having to go back for more surgeries as the implants age. I am being positive that this is the only year I have to deal with surgeries and cancer for the rest of my life.

Public wont do this surgery and in this order. Unfortunately, neither will the Public radio oncologists. But my plastic surgeon and the private radio oncologists have been doing this and they find there is a better outcome in the healing process. So here we go.....final chemo on 20th November, then radiotherapy all over Christmas and New Year and then surgery in February.

I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. As much as I do appreciate the chemotherapy shrinking FF and his friends (my tumours), I will be glad not to go through chemo anymore. But I am feeling like I'm being selfish or ripping off my family some how by getting 'boobs' at that cost. I need to come to terms with the monetary outlay when if I was to choose public it will cost us nothing!!  

Heavy in my heart.

Has anyone else had this feeling of guilt when reconstructing their boobs?

All the best to everyone.

cheers, Kym

 

 

 

8 Replies

  • Kymvass's avatar
    Kymvass
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thanks Jane,

    Yes you are right......we just need to keep telling ourselves we are worth it. :)

    Thank you for the reassurance about the private care, I think I am making the right decision. Also, for your best wishes for final chemo and radio. cheers, Kym xx

  • Kymvass's avatar
    Kymvass
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thanks Martine. Your words do help some perspective for me. You are right, as Mums we take a back seat to do whats best for everyone. I guess in the long run, being in hospital less times and getting it over with, will help my family too.  Thanks for your response. All the best, Kym

  • Jane221's avatar
    Jane221
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Kym, there are very few times in our lives that we put ourselves first, but this definitely qualifies :-)

    I had a delayed DIEP reconstruction last year through the private system and although it would have been nice not to have to pay those extra bills, it did mean I was guaranteed to have my surgeon doing my recommended and preferred reconstruction, giving me great peace of mind, as well as the opportunity to plan the surgery and recovery so it fitted into our family life and commitments. The fact I also had a private room was a bonus, and I was very grateful for it, especially in the first few days after surgery.

     

    Best of luck with your final chemo and your radiotherapy. Hopefully you'll get a bit of a rest before you have your surgery. Jane xx

     

  • iserbrown's avatar
    iserbrown
    Member
    10 years ago

    Kym - this is your time to make the best decision for you.  I went private and didn't regret the decision.

    Sending positive vibes.  Take care xx

  • rowdy's avatar
    rowdy
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Kym it is a hard decision but you are important and if you can afford it go for it without any guilt. We all deserve to get through this the best way we can. I went private and have no regrets I was well looked after. It is your body your decision. Good luckxx

  • MartineB's avatar
    MartineB
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Kym

    I went thru the exact same dilemma when considering options for my bilateral with immediate diep reconstruction, go public (no cost) or private - expensive and in addition to all the out of pocket expenses already incurred, thru ALL the treatments. Someone wise said to me 'what would you do if your husband faced the same dilemma' - i answered 'go private'.  Again they said 'what would you do if it was your daughter' - i answered 'i would pay for her surgery'.  Both answers were given without a moments hesitation. As mums and wives, we so often put ourselves last and on this occasion it was important to think that yes, i can do this just for me, i am worth it, i am worth the expense.  Hope this helps with your heavy heart.

    take care

    Martine