Would you keep a private breast clinic appointment or wait for NHS?

[Talkmedownplease16]

Hi folks,

Just looking for some advice please.
So 2 weeks ago I discovered a firmish lump/ridge in my right breast, went to gp, she said she couldn't feel it but due to my age (40 in a few days) she would red flag me to cancer team.

I have severe health anxiety, to say im panicked is an understatement. I can't eat properly, my sleep is awful and the physical anxiety pains, especially in my back, are crippling me.

I rang appointments line today who said it'll be at least start of July before I'm seen by NHS. I also rang private clinic today and they have said I can have consultation with Dr on Thursday evening and he will refer me on as private patient if he deems necessary.
My problem is, I'm going away for the weekend, trying to celebrate my birthday (and put on a brave face) and I'm scared appointment might make me worse, or it could maybe help. I don't think he will say its nothing to worry about as he can't really due to not knowing without further tests but he might be able to fast track a mammogram or scan.
Would you take the risk of furthering anxiety for the weekend when it's already so bad or cancel it and wait for NHS?

I went private for a large breast lump - got a appt the following day, saw consultant, had mammograms & ultrasound scan at same appt, saw consultant again for results & came away knowing it was nothing to be worried about. For me, it was money well spent.

Sorry if this has already been said but being put on the urgent pathway (what used to be the two week wait before it was abolished) doesn’t mean it’s ’most likely cancerous’. The vast majority of patients referred on this pathway turn out to have other explanations for their symptoms. Unless these were literally their words, and apologies if that’s the case but I just wanted to offer some reassurance! 💐

I was in a very similar situation as you. I did book a private appointment and the consultant was so reassuring and helpful. I hadn't been able to eat or sleep as my anxiety was so bad, but he was able to reassure me that I didn't have cancer. It turned out to be that my breasts were so large, one of them had torn my chest muscles.

@WinterNightStars I won't get it all in one go tomorrow night but if needs be he might be able to get me seen the following week privately. I just need to know what I'm dealing with. So glad yours was all OK. I think it would be money well spent, I work so if I can't spend it on looking after myself (within reason of course) I'm not doing myself any favours. I feel like I owe it to my children to know I've done everything I can.

Thank you @Trumptontown yes doctor said it was just a precaution more than anything. It's my anxiety and fear (my friend passed away nearly 8months ago from breast cancer) and I just need to know.

@RollonSpringplease isn't it awful what anxiety can do to us! Messes with everything, mind and body. I'm so glad yours wasn't cancer. I'm hoping tomorrow night he will be able to give me some kind of reason for it other than that. I know without actual scan, mammogram or biopsy its unlikely but I'm going to go and see.

Hi all, just an update, so I went tonight to see private consultant. He did an examination and said he felt what I felt and used the words dense tissue. I'm getting booked in either Thursday next week or week after for mammogram and ultrasound and he said I will leave with an answer. His words were, "I'm not overly concerned so neither should u be." Will try and switch off now and enjoy my birthday, pick up the panic again towards next appointment. I'll take the private appointment unless NHS gets to me first.
Thanks for all your replies ❤

I hope you have the mammogram and ultrasound soon. Everything crossed for the best outcome.

Hi everyone, just to finish off the thread with update as when I'm reading them myself I always like to see final outcome for the person who posted.

Went for my mammogram and ultrasound today, mammogram all clear and ultrasound showed prominent glandular tissue, nothing sinister! Absolutely over the moon and very relieved. I'm extremely glad I kept my appointment in the end as I'm still waiting for my NHS one.

@Talkmedownplease16 fantastic news I am so pleased for you . It must be such a relief

Thank you @Puravida23
Such a relief and its really opened my eyes to learning to try and enjoy my days now and stop living in fear because none of us know what's coming our way. ❤

@Talkmedownplease16that's the best news!! Im glad you got the all-clear.

Glad it turned out ok