Is private better?

I had a similar experience as you. 2 lumpectomies and no clear margin. I'm now having a bilateral mastectomy. I have been public all the way. My breast surgeon and plastic surgeon treat both private and public. I would never afford private reconstruction fees and have contributed to Medicare for more than 25 years so figure that is what it's for. My only out of pocket expenses so far is for the MRI which is not a standard breast cancer diagnostic tool. You should have the right to choose either public or private. We have a great health care system, now is the time to benefit from it. You would be anxious to have the surgery done, but waiting for the public hospital date is not too far. My next surgery is not till chemo finishes, 6 months away. Good luck with your decisions, keep asking questions, it's the only way to get answers. Cheers Louie