Unfortunately if you want timely treatment you will need to go private and be out of pocket. I gave up my private cover many years ago, so I had a wait of 2 months from diagnosis to surgery. My understanding is that the public system is now even more overstretched. For example I actually had my yearly mammogram and ultrasound done today, and I have to wait for an appointment to get the results, which I am told could be a four week wait, and even then it will be a telehealth appointment.
Being more proactive and pushy now than I was when I first got diagnosed I asked them to send my results to my GP, and I also asked for the Image results on a CD so I can take it off to a private place next year, I just don't need all the stress that can go with the waiting times in the public health system.
I wish you all the best and do try to just take a day at a time, and I know the wait can be very stressful and knowing what to do ie whether to go on leave from work now...... or when! I cannot fault the excellent care I got from a specialist surgeon who does both private and public, so in the end I have been happy I went public. Less out of pocket, and I put my patience to good practise in that time. :)
@Abbydog mentions you can take Income Protection if this is a default in your superannuation or you have added it to your basic super plan. It can take up to 12 weeks for them to start paying you, and also I believe most (if not all) will not allow you to work a day here or there ie you are either medically unfit to work or you are not is how they operate. I went that route as I had 18 months of active treatment, and I had Income Protections paid for 2 years, and had so many appointments that we not done one day after another, but were spread out over 2 months, that is what is so annoying with the public system in my opinion.
Take care and do what is best for you. xx
