public system or private health insurance?
I am 55 and just got diagnosed with high grade DCIS (2 lesions, one with focus suspicions for micro invasions, lymph node U/S FNA - Negative). the hospital gave me a referral for their breast surgeon for mid December but also notified my doctor. My doctor called me and asked me to come in for a chat and she wants me to go private so the mastectomy can be done before Christmas (which most likely can't be done in the Public Hospital, they start with surgeries again on the 10th of January). I am now really confused what to do, while I would love to have the surgery out of the way as soon as possible, I am worried with GAP payments if I go private. I don't have yet an appointment for the private surgeon but my doctor reckons I could get one for this coming week. while I am extremely lucky that I was diagnosed early, it's still a shock and I am confused and worried. if anyone could let me know about their decisions and costs for GAP payments, I would really appreciate it. thank you :)
IS THIS A NIGHTMARE AND WILL I WAKE UP SOON LOL
3 weeks ago I was a 58 year old business woman working 2 jobs and looking forward to a holiday this weekend, since then I've been diagnosed with DCIS invasive breast cancer, had a lumpectomy one Friday, then got a call from my surgeon in the middle of my 59th birthday party to say we needed another op last Friday (a week later) because the cancer was too close to the margin of what they took out. The good news is it's not in my lymph glands and I can't believe that I am actually saying to friends, it's all good if the genetic test comes back negative I only have to do daily radiation for 6 weeks and take tamaxifen for a few years. To even consider in my own head this is a great thing is like some weird movie of someone else's life, how far from normal everything has become. I feel numb as if this is not really happening to me and it is a crappy nightmare that I will wake up from. To top it off my neice died of exactly the same thing so I have seen the worse case scenario. I have been diagnosed early they tell me so I should not think her experience will be mine. I have used my cruise holiday as the goal that has kept me going, I will crawl up that gangway on my knees if I have to on Saturday, I had $10,000 in the bank 3 weeks ago and although I am a private patient with the highest insurance it is the expenses that have been more of a worry than anything. I thought I would not be out of pocket at all and have bills up to about $7,000 so far (they have not all come in yet) and will be lucky to get $3,000 back. When an anaesthetist charged $900 and NIB payed $75 back I rang them to find out why they are paying such a small refund - he is charging $600 over the set fee. I went for a genetic test $900 and came home to the first of 2 pathology bills and it is $1450. With 2 mortgages and being off work I am going broke very quickly. I am going to post the list of costs and refunds once all the bills are in so other people can have a big think about whether it is worth having private health insurance. NO ONE TELLS YOU THIS FINANCIAL STUFF TILL IT HAPPENS TO YOU. I will be going public for anything else involving breast cancer or anything else for that matter. I have however had a wonderful surgeon (recommended by a friend at work) who has made my breast look really good, she has been totally worth it. The beautiful part of my story is that people all around the world have prayed for me, my ex sister in law's church in Ontario Canada held me up in their prayers which touched me greatly. I've walked with God all my life and I am continuing to do that now (although I am not wanting to meet him in person for a few more years LOL). Thanks for reading my rant, I needed to get it off my chest :)
Pre-Admission Day Thoughts
Two appointments this week with the first being my pre-admission with the anaesthetist and hopefully one of the surgical team as I have a number of questions that I am seeking answers for, some my breast care nurse was able to answer, others not. Three hours the letter recommended I set aside for this appointment. Just as well I have nothing else planned to do today. Tomorrow I return to the hospital for my carbon injection and have been assured that despite the two weeks gap between tomorrow and when my surgery is booked, the carbon will still enable to minute second lesion to be detected. My BCNA "My Care Kit" arrived yesterday - I was just expecting a post-surgical bra and not all the other pieces of information including the Pilates DVD. I've stopped attending my Powerflex class (a cross between yoga and Pilates) on Wednesday evenings due to cold weather as the class is held outside. My biggest fear at the moment is getting a cold or something that will delay my surgery. As I am currently not working and unable to look for work until I have a better idea of post-surgery treatment etc, the sooner all this can occur and I can attempt bringing in an income again. Until then, I am on a steep learning curve with respect to budgeting and not looking forward to my Centrelink appointment (also happening tomorrow) to ascertain whether I am entitled to any benefits. I have always worked and have always been able to work so the mere thought of having to "sign on" has been both humiliating and humbling. I've even finally sent off my Citizenship papers after living in this country for nearly 25 years in the hope that that may put me in a better position once I come through all this and contemplate the direction my life is to take.
Newly diagnosed
Hi I'm 41 and was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple of days ago. I'm waiting to see a surgeon and its all a bit unreal at the moment. I live at Mount Tamborine and would love it if anyone can offer any advise as to how the public system is here on the Gold Coast. I do have private but the out of pocket expenses are so high that I want to try public first as it would just be another additional worry.
I have breast cancer
My breast cancer was discovered on the 10th of may 2012, and since then I've cried, I've reached out to friend via face book and the feedback has been overwhelming. But to say those words "I have breast cancer" have to be whispered because I don't want to upset my kids. They are all boys 11, 8 and 6. I need to be brave and positive for them and my hubby but I can't sleep, I'm scared and worried about the financial impact. Does anyone else relate?
FIRST BLOG
Hi all...really don't know wat to say...the last 3/4 weeks have been a blur - from diagnosis to masectomy and home again....back to see surgeon 2moro for patho results....scared stiff...Hubbie Greg has been WONDERFUL - taking me back to hospital for drain checks, cooking, cleaning and just being there wen i need a cry. don't know how he is being so strong....I'm worried about follow up treatment cos he has to get back to work - he's our income...just too many things to worry about........will let you know how we go 2moro....
