First consultation for DCIS - private or public?
I was diagnosed a few weeks ago with low-grade DCIS, showing up in 2 clusters of microcalcifications on my right friedegg. All quite sudden given I'm 42 and was expecting to be chased away from BreastScreen NSW telling me it was cysts, which has happened to me previously. Instead, I got the works (mammo, ultrasound, biopsy wootwoot), with the diagnosing doctor recommending a mastectomy because: 1. I'm small (barely a B cup) - so a wide-local excision would leave a "poor cosmetic result" 2. I have a family history of bad boobies - my grandma had a mastectomy in her late-50s, and recently 2 of my cousins (also in their 40s) have had surgery and chemo related to breast cancer. So while I'm grateful that it's been spotted early, I'm still reeling from the recommendation of "just-in-case" breast removal, and wondering about "wait-and-see" DCIS trials that are happening in Europe and the US... In any case, when my logical brain can function it's telling me to chill the hell out, and just go see a practising surgeon to get more info. My question: I don't have private health insurance due to just moving back home to Sydney, but I am prepared to cover some of the consult costs myself (probably not the surgery... if it's needed) if it's better to meet with a doctor at their own practice. The doctor I'm thinking of seeing (Cindy Mak) operates out of her own consult rooms and the RPA Lifehouse. Does anyone know if it makes any difference which consult rooms you start with? Should I save myself a couple hundred and blow it on much-needed anti-anti-cancer-diet supplies of wine and chocolate? And any feedback on Cindy Mak or Belinda Chan? Thanks in advance ladies. <3 And sorry if I sound flippant, I'm actually feeling quite blue after starting all this research and need to gee myself up.