Waiting for mammogram

[sightingday]

I saw my doctor last week after finding a lump in my left breast. He referred me to breast cancer screening as an urgent referral. Have spoken to them today as I was told to call if I hadn’t received an appointment. They have told me it’s a 7-9 week wait to be seen.
The GP is trying to refer me to another trust nearby and see if I can be seen sooner but if they can’t I’m stuck waiting 2 months to be seen.
I just feel like if it is something to worry about then that’s a long time to wait to know what I’m dealing with.
If I pay for a private appointment can I take the results to my GP? Is it even worth doing or will it not make any difference?
I don’t really know what to do for the best.

@sightingdaysorry you’re having to post here. That wait is far too long and it should be around 2 weeks for an urgent referral. Definitely try to get your GP to contact a nearby trust. I was diagnosed via a routine mammogram so I’m not sure how quickly GP referrals take in my area..
Keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on.

@LeftBoobGoneRogue thank you. The woman on the phone said the 2 weeks refers to them contacting you within 2 weeks which was not what the doctor said and didn’t sound right to me. They said if they hadn’t got back to me by Friday about an appointment with another trust them call again so I’ll keep on at them if I need to.

I was recently referred on the two week wait, it was nearly 4 weeks before my mammogram appointment and that wait was awful so I'm sorry you are waiting for double that it does sound like it's far too long to wait , keep on at your gp ask if they can expedite the referral keeping everything crossed for you that it all turns out fine

@Scooseim sorry you’ve been through it recently as well. 2 months is an awful long time for wondering what if especially since I am one of life’s great overthinkers even when things are going well. I’ll drive myself mad. I’m going to keep on at them and if I do have to go to another trust to be seen sooner then I’ll just have to do that. Better than the not knowing.
Did you get the results on the day or did you have to wait? Although I suppose that might change depending on what trust you are with.

@sightingdayyou won’t get results on the day because they have to go the the lab for testing to find out the type and grade of the the cancer, if it is cancer. The only way they can be certain is testing via a biopsy. The radiographer who did my ultrasound and biopsy was 90% certain it was cancer. Then 3 weeks later I had an appointment at the breast clinic confirming IDC grade 2 stage1. I had surgery, radiotherapy and now I am on hormone blockers.
It could be a cyst or other benign condition. Try not to worry to much until you now for definite. But if it is cancer once you get a treatment plan you will feel better because you will know if being dealt with.

If you can afford it, go private. I couldn’t even get an appointment to see the GP for 4 weeks (apparently a breast lump in your 40s isn’t viewed as an emergency!) So I saw a private GP for £120, was referred immediately and had a meeting with the consultant, exam, mammogram and ultrasound the following day. I was told there and then it was a cyst, nothing to worry about. Don’t know how much that cost because it was covered by my private health but if you can afford it, it’s worth it to avoid the worry. Good luck, I know it’s a bloody scary time xx

If you can afford to go private I would. I did the same & was told my mammogram results there & then (all clear) they also did an ultrasound to be completely sure. My lump is actually still there so I had a follow up MRI scan 9 months later as it was still concerning me. It’s glandular but they’ve said I can go back every 12 months for peace of mind which I will definitely do. It could be one of many things and I know it’s hard not to let your mind spiral but fingers crossed it’s nothing.

I think I’m going to see what they say at the end of the week and if they can’t get me a date in the next couple of weeks I’ll pay to go private. If it’s all clear I can breathe easy again and if it’s bad news I can start dealing with it instead of waiting around for another couple of months.