By NOEL MURPHY
A GEELONG woman left feeling like a “sideshow freak” when she was unable to pay for post-cancer nasal surgery could soon have her face back.
Belmont skin cancer consultant Dr Anthony Dixon has offered to complete Brenda Hoad’s surgery after a payment stand-off with Barwon Health left her in limbo for five months.
The Hamlyn Heights 56-year-old had complained of headaches, seeping fluid and blood running over her face as she struggled without the third operation to complete reconstruction of her nose.
“I have a lot of health issues at the moment,” she told the Independent.
“I’m running out of air, stuff is rotting on my face and the infection’s got in my body. Fluid is still seeping and smells.
“I can’t walk two feet without running out of air. The doctor told me ‘You need your surgery done’.
“I can’t do any housework. It feels like I have a collapsed lung.
“I start sweating like I’ve got a fever and I just have to sit.’’
Dr Dixon’s office contacted the Independent to offer Ms Hoad’s surgery free of charge.
The surgery is in contact with Ms Hoad regarding her health issues.
Barwon Health and Ms Hoad were at loggerheads over payment for previous surgery and an upfront fee for the next round of work on her nose.
Mrs Hoad is a US citizen and ineligible for Medicare. She owed about $6000 but was told she would have to pay Barwon Health $3500 upfront for her next operation.
