Eye surgery costs

My name is Tori, a registered nurse unable to work for nearly 3 years. Suddenly, in March 2020 I found out I had a brain stem lesion. I went from being told I had an inoperable tumour to needing emergency brain surgery as a result of its rapid growth. Following surgery the tumour was diagnosed as an “undifferentiated brain stem lesion” and it grew again after the surgery.

As a result of the lesions rapid growth and the brain surgery there is damage to my brain stem and cranial nerves and I’ve been recovering since. I have a facial palsy which involves the left side of my face and includes my eye. My next steps are to have my eye surgically corrected followed by a nerve transfer. The first operation is scheduled for March 31st 2023, which I am both excited and nervous about!

I’ve been fortunate enough to have a large portion of my treatment and procedures in the public hospital system but unfortunately the public hospital system cannot perform the complex surgery required and my only option is to have them performed by a specialist within the private hospital sector. I was disappointed to learn that my private health cover will only match Medicare’s contribution which is very minimal in comparison to the cost of the upcoming surgeries.

The expected result from the combined surgeries is to improve the vertigo / dizziness which is now a constant in my life. It will also provide the opportunity to correct my double vision with additional resources. Moving forward it is hoped this will also assist with my ongoing struggle to walk.

Another outcome of surgery is to restore feeling into my left eye and reduce the need of constant lubrication via eye drops and ointments.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me both personally and through social media. Also thank you in advance to all who may donate to ensure this next stage of my recovery.

Any donation small or big really does make a difference and would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you :)

EDIT// first surgery was 28/4 with my first post op appointment on May 5th