the straw that broke this camels back

I have to agree with some of what has been said above. Get a second opinion! I am being treated in the public system and although I have an allocated treatment team, at any time I can make an appointment to see a different surgeon, oncologist, radiographer within my hospital if i want to. I can also transfer to a different public hospital altogether if I want to. I cannot afford private health cover and to be honest, I don't see the need for it as I'm quite happy with the service I've received publicly. I think you've just hit a 'dud' surgeon who is not listening to your requests. Can you take someone for moral support to your next appointment with her? Someone very assertive who can put her in her place? I am also wondering if you have a Breast Care Nurse at your hospital? I ask this because BCN's usually participate in round table discussions about patients, and they can also raise your questions and concerns to the treatment team on your behalf. At least if you speak to the BCN you will have your concerns officially on record. Sometimes it is difficult to raise concerns when we feel vulnerable and powerless, however clear margins are essential I would've thought? I know when I had my surgery, they told me that clear margins are the ultimate surgery goal, and that this may mean multiple surgeries to "get it all". They told me it was not uncommon to have to come back for 2 or 3 sugeries to ensure clear margins. I was lucky enough to have margins clear within first surgery. Don't give up on getting to the bottom of all of this! Write a list of questions down and if you aren't happy with the answers say "that just doesn't sit well with me. I hear what you are saying but in my gut I feel something isn't right here. Is there another specialist I can talk to about this to get a second opinion?" It'll take courage if you aren't used to confrontation but it seems necessary in this case. Good luck, Celeste?