Hi Playwriter Glad you gave the public system a go. I do agree that in relation to the oncology department public is the way to go as they have a whole multidisciplinary team working together where one can be referred to other health professionals as required. They also have regular meetings where they discuss patients, their progress, their issues which has got to improve treatment even if we are only needing to see the oncologist as that person is more aware of us holistically. I was given a book on chemotherapy which included a summary of all the allied health professionals on the unit and what their role was. A friend of a friend has mestatic breast cancer and is being treated by a private oncologist. She has no breast care nurse because there aren't any in many of the private hospitals and thus no support or someone who can co-ordinate which other health professionals you need to see. Some people mention that in a public oncology department one may need to wait a while to see the oncologist as they often run late, sometimes because of things that come up with patients with appointments prior to you. Ie if a patient becomes very distressed or needs to ask questions or is not understanding something an oncologist does need to spend that extra time. But the upside is that conversations start up in the waiting room and friends are made especially as often it's the same people coming at the same time (ie morning) Deejjay ... View more

Well, I had my review and the GP management plan for my physio is set for another year but the dental plan is in doubt. The GP doesn't know what will happen. He thinks there are three options but doesn't know which one the Govt will choose. 1 continue to fund the program, 2. continue funding for existing patients (no new patients after Nov 1) or 3 scrap the program altogether after Nov 1. He wrote my dental plan up and has sent it off to ensure that I will be covered if options 1 or 2 are chosen. Has anyone heard anything more concrete? CJF ... View more

hi im still on anti depressants because dr was away ... View more

Hi Nicole, It seems you have already had some awesome advice from samex and Jules. Definately ask for help. Vent your emotions (this site is great for that). And take one day at a time. Sending you cyber hugs, Nicole xoxoxo ... View more

Thank you for that Don, I have recently been contacted by the Vic Palliative care in my area and they will be coming to see me soon. ... View more

Hi Katie nps and good luck with it. Here's hoping you get some answers. :) Julie ... View more

Today, I went to the lake for a walk. I cried. I cried not because of unhappiness, not because I am angry but because I am still a human being. I am much more calmer, focus but still need the space and time on my own. I suddenly realised that no matter what we try. It all depends on how my husband's body act against the cancer cells. There is absolutely nothing I can do or offer to help. (as previously said he is not interested on any fruit/vegetable drinks, any religions group, any special cancer programs) I just have to leave it to the Nature to take the load. ... View more

I'd also check out the Australian Human Rights Commission website section on insurance http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/insurance.htm in relation to disability discrimination. Cases and conciliations seem to confirm the below. My understanding is that most insurance including TPI and income protection won't cover pre existing medical conditions but should cover unrelated future conditions and situations, ie being hit by the proverbial bus. But one has to be honest about everything when asked, say in their questionnaire, ie past any condition to ensure the insurance is valid. However some insurance cover will still cover cancer. For example a past work place I worked at where their superannuation also offered TPI and income protection they actually did not ask questions about pre existing conditions and did cover claims. Their rationale was that the organisation was large with 14,000 employees of working age (15-65) which statistically this population in general has a low level of disability (10%) and thus the risk of covering an employee with a pre existing condition was was spread over a large range of low risk employees. There was also a 3 month wait for income protection to kick in and many conditions although serious are too short term ie heart bypass, minor heart attack, even major surgery without ongoing complications or treatment where most are back at work after 3 months. Cheers DJ ... View more

OMG...they are really amongst us!!!! Do you have the phone number for the organisation? We can all meet up on their forum :-) I laughed so much at this. Thanks ... View more