bladder biopsy due, would you go private or wait for nhs?

[turbulenteddy]

Poor DH has just had a cystoscopy and there's a chance an infection they found could be hiding a tumour. He's been told he needs a biopsy.

I want to be optimistic, but can't help fearing the worst.

The NHS can do the biopsy in about 6 weeks. DH has medical insurance and maybe he could get the biopsy done sooner privately. I'm not sure though this would be a good move. I've heard that when it comes to some critical things staying with the NHS is the safer bet. It's the same consultants everywhere, but the NHS hospital support staff are more experienced. I'm worried that if the results of the biopsy aren't great then he'll be locked into a hospital, so want to make sure it's the best of what's available.

Are there any statistics available comparing urology/oncology departments in london hospitals? Anyone got any insight?

DH is currently under care of urologists but kidney rather than bladder. Can pm you details if you want but just wanted to let you know he has waited nearly 6 weeks from 1st outpatients for surgery.

For kidneys they don't biopsy so the results of the op will determine if it's cancer (most likely is).

It is hard waiting BUT the surgeon explained why the surgery did not have to be carried out immediately (small tumour, they are slow growing etc) which meant we were reassured that there was no clinical need for quicker treatment.

I would start by trying to find out if a 6 week wait is normal before going private as cancer treatment on the NHS is generally good - and I say that having seen both parents and now DH go through the system in London.

Not sure if that's any help.

Alana, thanks, but sorry to hear you're in a similar situation. The not knowing is hard. It's difficult not to assume the worst, and there's always hope that the results, whenever they come, will bring better news than worst case scenario.

I've been through cancer treatment and can honestly say I wouldn't have got better treatment if I'd gone private. If it's an emergency they don't keep you waiting, so I'd say stick NHS. Waiting's horrid though I know.