Breast lump- Investigate NHS or private?

[mspotatochip]

I have a dodgy lump in a breast that was already causing me issues (horrid itch deep down). Going to gp today assuming she will offer further investigation. I have private insurance from work should I use it or am I better off on the NHS? Also 2 years into breastfeeding son but don't think its mastitis etc really don't want to be told just breastfeeding lump as its "feels" wrong.

Trying not to freak out

[LaVitaBellissima]

Hope it goes well for you, I would ask your GP, if they think it needs further investigation you will be refered within 2 weeks anyway with the NHS.

I would use your private option if you have it, there is a lot of waiting around at NHS hospitals (I did it last year with SIL)

Try not to freak out, could be a milk duct or something benign but always good to check it out, well done for booking an apointment

[MaryAnnSingleton]

I would like to say that the NHS breast services are bloody brilliant in their speed and efficiency - if referred you should be seen within 2 weeks and if there is any treatment required you'll be on to that very quickly.
I think that private just gives you nicer bed ! Good luck and really hope it's nothing bad. If you'd like hand holding do come over to the very friendly tamoxifen thread

[daisysue2]

Hope it all works out well for you. I went private and was seen quite quickly but would probably have been seen as quickly on the NHS. Ask for a referal to the NHS and a letter for a private referal from your doctor so if you decide to go private you can. As said before you are supposed to be seen within two weeks on the NHS but find out if that will be a breast clinic where you will also be able to have scans etc on the same day or if you will be referred on for other appointments at later dates. Privately I was seen by the breast surgeon, sent for a scan and a mamograam, had an attempt to drain the the lump and then had a biopsy when it wouldn't drain. This was all within about two hours.

My sister in law went on the NHS and had a perfectly good time as well, she just had to wait much longer. The upside of the NHS is generally if your surgeon is off sick or goes on holiday there are other people who can step in such as the senior registrar who can step in. One of the worst things for me was waiting around for results as my surgeon was away. I probably would have seen the same surgeon on the NHS as I did privately.

Good luck and there is an excellent site Breast Cancer Care and the Forum there is good for support.

[mspotatochip]

Gp noted small irregular lump reckons its probably a cyst. Shes referred me to the local breast clinic. SHe was so matter of fact about it I forgot to even ask about waiting times or a private referral.

[Putthatbookdown]

Go thee to the Royal Marsden in London -superb -the experts in cancer we went on the nhs -brilliant much better than our local services Your gp may send you to the cheapest as that apparently is what they do now -it is all money now

[PacificDogwood]

NHS - every time with something like that.

Seriously, stay well clear of the private sector for investigation of breast lumps.

You'll be seen v quickly anyway and that's the only advantage of private care over NHS.

[mspotatochip]

bit of a mix up, gp fax went missing, refaxed yesterday, got apt today for july 19. feels like a long long time away. v anxious. have asked to go on cancellation listc

[mspotatochip]

its jarvis centre guildford. one stop shop

[MaryAnnSingleton]

gah,that's a bit of a wait- but mayube there'll be a cancellation...try not to worry..will be thinking of you.

[Elibean]

Horrid waiting, poor you - I hate those times.

Just wanted to add, in case it helps during the wait: cysts can leak fluid that causes itching sensation. So hopefully thats exactly what it is - odds are on your side!

[mspotatochip]

yeah cancellation for tomorrow morning! fingers crossed

[MaryAnnSingleton]

oh that's good ! really hope everything is ok !

[dizzyblonde]

The jarvis centre is brilliant. I went there for an emergency scan for heavy bleeding during pregnancy (didn't even know that they could use the same ultrasound machine) and they were lovely. Provided lots of tissues and tlc when they told me they could see a heart beat.
One of my sisters friends is a nurse there and she is one of the kindest and more importantly the most competant person I know.

[Elibean]

Fantastic - good luck!

[MaryAnnSingleton]

mrspotatochip -how did it go ?

[mspotatochip]

Its all good! They could feel the lump but nothing showed on ultrasound and mammogram (ouch) so I was spare a needle biopsy. They think its hormonal changes/ hardened breast tissue. I can go back if any more changes, its gets bigger or I'm worried.

The Jarvis was excellent. The staff were lovely the building is lovely, I was seen quickly and everything explained. I am thoroughly satisfied with the process. I would rather they knew what it was but am confident they know what it isn't iyswim.

To anyone searching facing the same thing I would say make the appointment the checks are less pain than the worrying!

Thank you ladies for all the advice

[MaryAnnSingleton]

that's fab news have several s !! Well done