What a time to find out you're not covered by HBF! And can I save my nipple?

I wish you luck with your next phase of treatment.  I was able to go as public patient with my breast surgeon and the only difference was waiting an extra two weeks. The public system does prioritise cancer patients and i could not fault their support. Like you my pathology from initial lumpectomy indicated more extensive cancer and i decided on bilateral mastectomy. As my breasts were small to start with, and tumour close to nipple, i didn't consider nipple sparing or skin sparing surgery.  My surgeon said that can be a delayed reconstruction regardless.