Well done ladies! Most impressive interview, @kmakm !!
I agree with the first question after diagnosis being 'Do you have Private Health insurance' - that was actually me experience - and then being on the conveyor belt of higher costs ...... tho I still chose my surgeon (and incredibly pleased with the results.) I WAS actually given a quote for my surgery (but who hears & reads everything they are told or given in the first 2 weeks? Other than Yes, I can do you tomorrow!?)
Yes, I went private for surgery, public for radiation & oncology - and am currently $6500 out of pocket & growing - and I only had a lumpectomy, breast conserving surgery, radiation, no chemo or reconstruction as such - and now on Letrozole tablets for 5 years.
If I were to be given another diagnosis requiring surgery today - I would elect for public surgery (hopefully with the same surgeon as he was SO good) & still public for ongoing treatment.
All the best for the Field of Women event .... I hope the weather plays nice! ;)