Hi @mellymell
I’m in Melbourne too and was diagnosed around the same time as you.
I have private insurance too but I went public for my surgery (also a lumpectomy) at St Vincent’s. I was diagnosed through Breastscreen at St Vincent’s and met one of the breast surgeons who operated at both St Vincent’s Public and St Vincent’s Private. I really liked her but she was booked out in Private so I went Public- she was one of 3 excellent breast surgeons at St Vincent’s and she was the one who did my surgery! I had incredible care from all the team at St Vincent’s - you are assessed by the MDT. There were no costs for my surgery and stay in hospital. Also no costs for scans, biopsies etc. pre surgery.
I will continue my treatment at St Vincent’s- radiotherapy, hormone therapy and possibly chemotherapy.
In my view, we are incredibly lucky in Australia to have an excellent public health system and the big teaching hospitals are excellent. I feel very comfortable with my decision.
Good luck making your decisions 😊