The know-how you need step by step is here
Steps after diagnosis
You are just diagnosed and your referral has been sent to the hospital for your first appointment and you are probably feeling overwhelmed and confused.
What now?
Take a deep breath and ...
remember from here on there are people and resources to guide and support you such as your breast care nurse.
The vision of the McGrath Foundation is to ensure that everyone going through breast cancer has access to a Breast Care Nurse from the time of diagnosis and ongoing right throughout your treatment period.
Private or Public Patient ....
Access to the services of the McGrath Foundation is available at no cost to anyone experiencing breast cancer whether private or public.
McGrath Nurses provide physical, psychological and emotional support absolutely free - thanks to their generous community donors.
If you cannot find a nurse near you ...
The McGrath Foundation offer a McGrath Breast Care Nurse Telephone Support Line on 1800 183 338
They are available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and they can help you to find a nurse and provide support.
Questions to ask
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Your hospital ID number
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When is your first appointment
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What is the next step now
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As soon as your appointment is booked ... ask for the contact of your Breast Nurse
What other referrals are needed?
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Scans & follow up ultra sounds
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Anything that can be done before your appointment with the Surgeon or Registrar
About your appointment
Your Doctor will give you information on your treatment plan.
This could include surgery, oncology chemo and or radiation.
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Take someone with you to all appointments
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Ask as many questions as you can think of
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keep a notebook by your bed
Many hospitals such as Sunshine Coast Hospital offer allied services for additional support such as:
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Nutritionists
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Pysychologists
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Lymphedema Therapists
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Breast Nurses
Re-booking appointments
You will need your Hospital ID number
You need to re-confirm all appointments
To avoid any possible cancellation - ask reception to confirm all of your appointments.