Sorry to hear of your diagnosis.
I was diagnosed with invasive IDC in my left breast after a previous diagnosis of LCIS (with calcifications in both breasts). My tumour was located close to my left nipple.
I went through the private system with an oncoplastic surgeon and chose bilateral skin-sparing mastectomy, direct to implants. Surgery was all in one go.
I would have preferred DIEP flap, but didn’t have enough flesh. My original breasts were small and are now slightly larger (with the minimum implant size😂). I don’t have to wear a bra unless exercising.
My surgeon recommended losing the left nipple (due to the tumour proximity) and I requested removal of the right also for peace of mind and symmetry. It was quite shocking at first, but now I don’t really notice not having nipples anymore (1 year, 3 months post surgery). You can get very realistic 3D nipple tattoos (I haven’t yet, as I think it will hurt and I’m a bit of a wimp!).
I am happy with my implants and have quite a lot of sensation. I will probably consider going flat when they need changing out in approx 10 years (I was 47 years old at diagnosis) - see how I feel at that point.
Shout out if you have any queries.
Hi suki, if you don’t mind me asking, how much did that cost in the private system? Regards, Anna
I have top cover, but I was out of pocket for both the surgeon and anesthetist. Hospital and theatre costs etc were fully covered.
Surgeon was $4K out of pocket for the following (she wasn't on my health fund list, so I expected out of pocket):
- breast recon (bilateral) following mastectomy
- skin sparing mastectomy (bilateral)
- sentinel node biopsy
The anesthetist was $1,700 out of pocket for the following:
- consultation
- anaesthesia for mastectomy
- surgery time (3hrs 10mins)
- physical status modifier ASA.3
The Medicare rebates are pretty low. My anesthetist had a harder job as I had completed neoadjuvant chemo (prior to surgery) with targeted therapies that can affect your heart. So your costs may not be the same.
