My Prostate Cancer Journey - Episode 2- an Aussie perspective

After I was diagnosed with prostate cancer on 9th June 2023, I decided to tell my prostate cancer journey from an Australian's perspective (I've only found American men telling their stories). This is in an effort to increase the awareness and PSA testing rates amongst Australian men in their 50's, to better help men (and me) understand the disease, its impact on my life and the after effects from surgery. Here goes... this is the second episode, I cover my anxiety and the cost, and when friends and family offer to 'help' (offering unsolicited 'miracle' cures). This was filmed the day before surgery.

[@garyq531]

Did you have private health insurance? I'm about to have my surgery in Brisbane, thanks for your videos

[@pescado99]

Yes, I have full private cover, some of the best cover available in Australia. I was still out of pocket $11.6k ($13.5k for surgeon, $1813 back through health cover and medicare). A friend of a good mate went to Dr John Yaxley in Brisvegas, who is very well regarded. So be prepared for the $$ sting (Medicare rebates are crap, and our insurance was too). Make sure your surgeon provides full disclosure of all costs (my surgeon is technically exceptional, but was, lets say, a little circumspect when it came to discussing costs - until the last minute). Still, there're no pockets in coffins and I've had an exceptional surgical outcome. I'm 11 months post surgery and I no long wake up thinking 'I've got cancer'. If you want to talk more, contact me via RUclips - Click the ABOUT tab. Click the "Message" icon. Cheers and good luck and hang in there. Oh, get in as much sex as you can, it's going to be awhile...

[@garyq531]

@@pescado99 Thanks for the reply. That seems very expensive, I have mid range cover and will be out of pocket $5100 for the surgery. Urologist, assistant and anesthetist $8000 total, refund $2900. With all other scans, biopsies and excess I think about $8000 all up out of pocket.

[@wormsnake1]

All the best my friend. I think you are doing the right thing for you. Everything you said makes complete sense.
Stay strong and keep the focus.❤️🙏💪.x

[@pescado99]

Thanks, I'm now almost 3 weeks post surgery and feeling pretty good.