Podcast Survey Upfront About Breast Cancer What You Don’t Know Until You Do (Dr Charlotte Tottman)
Hi everyone, We hope you all have been enjoying our 10-part podcast series, Upfront About Breast Cancer - What You Don’t Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman! BCNA values your feedback, and we want to ensure we continue to develop podcasts that are relevant to you, our members, and your breast cancer diagnosis. To be able to do this, we have created a survey which explores how the podcast series has currently helped you, and what you’d like to see more of. Please note, the survey is completely anonymous. https://limesurvey.mq.edu.au/index.php/157549?lang=en
Podcast Survey: Upfront About Breast Cancer - What You Don’t Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte To
We hope you all have been enjoying our 10-part podcast series, Upfront About Breast Cancer - What You Don’t Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman! BCNA values your feedback, and we want to ensure we continue to develop podcasts that are relevant to you, our members, and your breast cancer diagnosis. To be able to do this, we have created a survey which explores how the podcast series has currently helped you, and what you’d like to see more of. Please note, the survey is completely anonymous. https://limesurvey.mq.edu.au/index.php/157549?lang=enBreast Reconstruction – Options and Expectations, Virtual Conference - Tuesday, 12 October 6 - 9pm
Good morning everyone, BCNA are holding a virtual conference on Tuesday 12 October, 6.00 - 9.00m AEST on Breast Reconstruction - Options and Expectations. Choosing whether to have a breast reconstruction is a very personal decision and it is important to do what feels right for you. Some women decide to have reconstruction to restore their confidence, or prefer to wear a breast prosthesis, while some women choose not to have reconstruction or to wear a breast prosthesis. Alternatively, you can also choose to have delayed reconstruction to consider your breast reconstruction options at a later time. There are different options available for breast reconstruction and much to consider. Your breast surgeon and Breast Care Nurse can explain the options that may suit you best. It is important that you take time to understand your options and be involved in discussions with your specialist team to ensure you feel confident in your decision. Join us for BCNA’s virtual conference to explore the different options of breast reconstruction that may be available to you, managing expectations, the important considerations, the emotional and physical impacts of breast reconstruction as well as key findings from BCNA’s recently launched Breast Reconstruction in Australia 2021 Report which was a result of a survey of 3,350 respondents about their breast reconstruction experiences. Additionally, there will be an opportunity to ask questions to the speakers at the end of each session. Register for the conference now via: Breast Reconstruction Virtual Conference (rdbk.com.au) Event Details Date: Tuesday, 12 October Time: 6.00pm – 9.00pm AEDT Where: Online – from your computer, tablet, or laptop Your Local Time: WA: 3.00pm NT: 4.30pm SA: 5.30pm QLD: 5.00pm ACT, NSW, TAS, VIC: 6.00pm
Media story call out for TONIGHT those living in NSW? BCNA request
Hi all, Please see post below on behalf of Vicki Durston, Director of Policy, Advocacy and Member Support at BCNA. Today we have been asked to be interviewed on A Current Affair about the cancellations of elective surgery in NSW related to Breast Reconstruction. We are looking for someone who might like to share their story of how the waitlists could potentially impact those already waiting for Breast Reconstruction in NSW. If you could help us - we would be so grateful, as this gives BCNA national coverage to send the message that we are here for all those in NSW facing these challenges through the COVID pandemic. Time is of the essence, so we would need to hear back ASAP. If you could call the Helpline if you are interested on 1800 500 258 and let the team know that you would like to participate, we would be so grateful. Regards Vicki.
Reconstruction Costs
Don’t know why or what planet I was on, but I thought if you had breast cancer your reconstruction would be covered, as it wasn’t classed as cosmetic surgery. Well apparently I am so wrong. If I was to continue on the Private Patient path what would the be possible cost give or take. Or would I be best going on the Public waiting list and of so is anyone here in Brisbane who might know approximately how long the wait list is I had hoped to get a reconstruction next year, I’ve just been warned that it’s expensive so not sure I can afford it now. Which is leading me to think and wish I had asked for a DMX and I would have just gone flat 😢 don’t get me wrong, even though I’ve only got the temporary crocheted prosthesis, I find it hot and it just doesn’t look good no matter how much I try and play with the stuffing 😳, I’m just not that comfortable in my own skin to go out without the look of being close to even
Help with decision on breast reconstruction
Hi, Last February in Townsville I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was not in the nodes, but had spread from the ducts. Because of COVid19 I had three lots of surgery in March. The first was a lumpectomy, then the surgeon realised there was still some remaining in the breast so she went in a week later, removed the residue and transferred some tissue from the side of the breast to the front of the breast for aesthetic reasons. That surgery was not successful afterwards as the blood wasn't flowing as it should, so she went back in a week later to see if she could fix it, but did explain that the breast would have to be removed if she could not fix the problem. She took the breast. No chemo or radiation, and an excellent recovery. But no matter what I do I am always lopsided, and my new puppy has already put two holes in my prosthetic breast so I decided to look into a reconstruction next year. I went to see the reconstruction surgeon in Brisbane yesterday. He explained both options to me. I do not like the idea of implants, but the other option involves 7 or 8 hours of surgery. My concern is not that, but rather that I have a fat stomach, so I am wondering if he does the surgery that takes some skin and tissue from my lower abdomen, will I end up with a flat abdomen but still have the fat on my upper abdomen, (under my breasts). I am 65 years old in a couple of weeks. Hoping to speak to some-one who has had this surgery, so I can be clear in my mind that it will make me feel better not worse.
Public or Private (please help!!)
After diagnosis of High Grade DCIS with Mastectomy required. My husband and I are both on the aged pension, and have struggled to maintain private health insurance. I live in a rural area which has no access to reconstruction surgery in the private or public system so I need to go to Melbourne. What worries me a lot is the gap fees if I have to go private because of the need to act fairly quickly. I would love to chat with anyone that can help me with information on how it all works and any idea of the cost process. Thanks
New to group seeking fat transfer advice
Hi everyone I'm new to this group even though I had DCIS 10 years ago. Since I was treated in the private system I wasn't aware of the amazing support groups such as this one. I didn't even know about breast care nurses! Anyway 10 years on my implants need to come out. As I really don't want to be on the implant cycle any more I'm looking into fat grafting. Has anyone had it ? If so can you share your experiences? I'm in Sydney and also looking for surgeons who do this ( and who seem to be few in numbers). Any input would be appreciated.