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• Phoebe

  

  • 7 posts
  March 13, 2016 12:14:59 PM WATime

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  I am only one of many pensioners with worsening Lymphodema due to the cost of private Physio.

  I can get 5 visits a year on Medicare ( with the lovely Jenny Pope, ex C.C.) on the Enhanced Care Plan, via GP. As I live in the Hills and need a friend to drive me, her Home Clinic 5 minutes away is perfect but not always affordable. Unfortunately a serious blockage has developed and I am not currently eligible for this years Medicare visits. She wants me to come weekly for a while to clear the blockage.

  While investigating the situation with Medicare I was put through to a Cancer Nurse at the WA Health Dept. who has got me back into the S.C.G.H. Occupational Therapy Lymphodema lady. This is usually a short time service, but I will find out when I get the letter, hopefully tomorrow. It will be an hour and a half drive, but I am desperate!

  Does any one else feel strongly about this HUGE gap in services? I have time to work on some ideas if we could get a few people interested to do some lobbying. This is a serious health issue that will not go away.

  In Grace

  Phoebe (Diploma Human Services)

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  This post was edited by Phoebe at March 13, 2016 12:14:59 PM WATime"

  Single woman no kids, Breast Ca diagnosed 2003, lumpectomy (problematic not enough clearance around tumour so surgeon went in again after 2 weeks),auxiliary clearance, chemo, radiation, Tamoxifen for 5 yrs. at the time I went on Tamoxifen I came out in psoriasis which remains a problem.

  Reconstruction 2006- Lapidimus Dorsi (back muscle used for flesh to rebuild breast) on second recon, the first recon  was a big mess !!

  Squamous Cell Ca on vocal chord diagnosed 2005,surgery, more surgery, radiation, more surgery, currently have lump on vocal chord being checked 6 weekly (probably damage from radiation) I am refusing further surgery on throat to preserve what is left of my voice! Long journey.

• Lucinda

  

  • 11 posts
  March 17, 2016 9:21:32 AM WATime

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  Hi Pheoebe,
  
  Yes it does seem to be an issue with many people! We often have people calling Breast Cancer Care WA looking for Lymphodema services now that the free services has stopped. It was definitely beneficially and I know a few people struggle to keep up with treatments after their 5 visits from the GP Medicare plan.

   Support Services Coordinator at BCCWA