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I have low grade bladder cancer and live in the SE of Adelaide. Service not available down here. I have had several cystoscopes done. Doctors talking about removal of Kidney. My questions is no support iam on benifits they expect me to to travel to Adelaide pay for accommodation. no support will not fill in apprioprate paperwork stating it availible in SE. I will be discontinuing treatment as I cannot afford to travel for treatment. Any thoughts on this matter.
Sorry to hear your all having problems in S.A, I have high grade bladder cancer with C.I.S and large tumor removed. This has been my life for the last 12 months or so, I have also had three lots of BCG treatment and 4 cystoscopies in that time. I live in Hervey Bay QLD and need to travel to Brisbane (4 hours) for my cysto's and major op's but BCG I get localy. There is a QLD government system here that allows me to claim my travel costs back and the Cancer Council have a motel in Brisbane which is free to me as they claim the cost from the QLD Gov, I would contact your local urology liaison nurse to see if you have this system for rural residents in your state. I have also had lots of problems getting information from the urology team and I can vouch for other countries where they also have the problem. I ask as many questions as possible at all times and have even written them down on my hand prior to going into surgery and doctors write the answer down on the other hand so don't be afraid to ask and keep asking. I am a pensioner and have limited funds and have so far not paid for any treatment and have received the best, good luck.
Love & Best Wishes to all
Paul D
Hi @maggie1
Have you been told about the Patient Assistance Travel Scheme? This is a financial subsidy program for people who have to travel more than 100kms to receive medical treatment. For the South Australian service, their phone number is: 1300 341 684
Hope they give you some help.
Gab