Can someone tell me who is supposed to be in charge of my care throughout my diagnosis and treatment? Is it the surgeon or does the hospital take over or what? I'm in tears this morning because everyone I speak to seems to have a breast care nurse, a physio, people they can phone to chat to if they have a question, most are up to second round chemo and I'm just sitting here like a lame duck waiting for something to happen. I want to go and scream at someone to take a bit of notice of me.

Hi Cas, When I was diagnosed Nov last year, Surgery was quick and fast, I organised this. Now when it came to finding a hospital for treament for chemo this as different. Many calls to the hospital just to try to get an appountment with the onc. I was aways told, we will call you back with an appointment. Eventually I was contacted by my breast call nurse, who I believed arranged arranged the appointment, and she was the one who rang me with a date to see the medical onc. I know how you are feeling, I was feeling the same way, helpless, waiting. I had surgery in early. Nov. Onc appointment did not happen until Jan. Things then fell into place after this. As for the Breast care nurses down in my area.We have just 2 who operate of the the Hospital.

Hi Casjsa, where are you? If you are in a major centre having your treatment there should be a breast care nurse at your hospital. Ask the nurses in oncology yo call her so you can speak to her. You actually have a team of people, your doctor, your surgeon, your oncologist. These are people that you should be able to call on when you need. Your breast care nurse will put you in contact with a physio and other services if you feel you need them. Never be afraid to ask, ever. This is your life and you need to be able to take the bull by the horns. Also, if you let us know where in Australia you are, there may be other ladies on this site who are attending the same centre who could give you some names and numbers. That's what this network is for. Let us know, Deb xx

I think it is a team thing, you will be seeing an Oncologist regularly, the frequency will vary depending on your case and stage of your treatment. At the hospital they meet regularly to review your individual case with various medical experts. I went to RPAH in Sydney and although they do have BC nurses, they did not choose to involve themselves in my case but were there to call if I had a question. I also saw a breast surgeon who did my operations and follow up care after. I saw both private and hospital physios over time, but had to ask for this to be done. You can phone the cancer council 131120 who are staffed by knowledgable caring people. You need to get a free My Journey kit from this site(main page I think) this has invaluable information. You can also apply for free bras from berlei. We have all been there before you so any questions are ok. Hope you feel a bit better with some more information, Julia

Cas don't cry:( I will tell u how it is for me,although it may be different in different hospitals etc.When I first got my diagnosis which was after I went to my GP on finding a lump,he referred me to my surgeon.My surgeon then took over and I had my surgery and biopsies etc.Two weeks after my surgery my surgeon referred me to my oncologist at RPA in Sydney,and then 2 weeks after that I started my chemo.Each time I go to chemo,I see my oncologist before my chemo starts and we talk about any concerns I may have and I also get my blood tests done.The only time I will be seeing my surgeon again is the beginning of December,to check my wound has healed.I did see him once after leaving hospital,and that was when he referred me to my oncologist.I hope this all makes sense.i don't have a breast care nurse,but there is one at RPA who makes herself known when u start chemo.I have never had a physio,and I don't really need one.I have tried to take charge of my own rest,recovery and exercise program(if u could call it that;) ! )Big hug to you.Robynxoxox

Who is in charge of my care? | BCNA Online Network

32 Replies

Deb_F
Member
12 years ago
Hi Casjsa, where are you? If you are in a major centre having your treatment there should be a breast care nurse at your hospital. Ask the nurses in oncology yo call her so you can speak to her. You actually have a team of people, your doctor, your surgeon, your oncologist. These are people that you should be able to call on when you need. Your breast care nurse will put you in contact with a physio and other services if you feel you need them. Never be afraid to ask, ever. This is your life and you need to be able to take the bull by the horns. Also, if you let us know where in Australia you are, there may be other ladies on this site who are attending the same centre who could give you some names and numbers. That's what this network is for. Let us know, Deb xx
peggysue
Member
12 years ago
Hi Cas,

When I was diagnosed Nov last year, Surgery was quick and fast, I organised this. Now when it came to finding a hospital for treament for chemo this as different. Many calls to the hospital just to try to get an appountment with the onc. I was aways told, we will call you back with an appointment. Eventually I was contacted by my breast call nurse, who I believed arranged arranged the appointment, and she was the one who rang me with a date to see the medical onc. I know how you are feeling, I was feeling the same way, helpless, waiting. I had surgery in early. Nov. Onc appointment did not happen until Jan. Things then fell into place after this. As for the Breast care nurses down in my area.We have just 2 who operate of the the Hospital.

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Who is in charge of my care?

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