Private CT scan or wait for NHS?

Hello. Sorry to hear about your friend. I too am being seen at Peterborough. In my opinion ( I stress just my view!) I’d follow the experts advice and follow the process. It sounds like the results of her mastectomy were quicker than expected ( I was advised 2-3 weeks - but that is often down to how quickly the results and appts come through)  and  they are making decisions best for her. We can all move between private and NHS treatments but I’m not sure if it really would be any quicker and the information then given back to the NHS consultants  would add value to the immediate next steps. Ie they know they want to remove the lymph next. Also would it be a CT or a PET CT next? They will know what to advise at the time. I personally would follow the consultants advice and the next steps recommended. I asked the question about moving to private in part of my process (I don’t have insurance) and I was advised that the process would be quicker at the NHS as they had access to all resources. 

For context  my journey was an urgent referral 17 Nov, diagnosis of breast cancer 21 Dec, then back and forth for multiple tests and scans (they often flagged other problems ares)  and eventually diagnosed with a plan 26 Feb - 15 weeks after urgent referral - quite agonising those last few weeks. Had a mastectomy on Sunday and full lymph clearance. Will def need radio and maybe chemo. Am expecting results of op 4 April. 

I know that for me, I felt a little lost and out of sight during the diagnosis period. But feel “in the system” now and in very good hands in terms of how to tackle what’s next and confident and comfortable at Peterborough. 

I hope that helps and I do hope it goes well for her x

Hi Faithful47 , lovely of you to be finding information for your friend. Do encourage her to join us here too, I’ve found it a great place for support and shared experiences. I’d echo what CurlyKL has said re going with what’s being planned through the NHS. I would consider paying for a private scan if it looked like there was going to be a really long wait, but it sounds like things are moving ahead quite steadily for your friend. That doesn’t get away from the horrible waiting, which I think we’ve all found tortuous. Also, it sounds like the medics are recommending the CT scan, or not, depending on the results of the node removal op. So your friend could end up with an ‘unnecessary’ scan if she has it now. That’s just my take on it though. 
As you’ve mentioned location, I don’t have experience of that hospital but I’m a similar distance from London and have been to sessions in a lovely place called Future Dreams. It’s for anyone affected by breast cancer, including family and friends. You might like to take a look, I’ll try to post a link. They do in person and also online sessions. Just a thought! Wishing your friend very well with her treatment, love and hugs, HFxx

Hi again Faithful47 , this is the place, it’s a few minutes from Kings Cross station. Xx

https://futuredreams.org.uk/

Hi

when I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year that had spread to lymph nodes I had to have a CT scan and a PET scan I asked would it be quicker to go private and my Doctors told me it would not be no quicker and in all fairness l had my scans and results within a month.  

I'm with BUPA and my MRI wait has been no quicker than on NHS but my op will be by a few weeks.  

Thanks so much. It is most helpful. My friend wondered if she could connect in with you by way of email given your geographical proximity? No problem if you would rather not but just in case.I have reached out to you via the " friendship" connnection in case you are happy to share your email add in a message.

Thanks so much HappyFeet. I will pass this on to my friend. I know the forums were a huge comfort to me 5 years ago when my husband was going through testicular cancer (he is fully recovered thankfully) and have recommended them to her.

Thank you. Good to know and seems like the NHS route best for her.

Thank you Catherine for all the research on this forum on my behalf

I have decided not to do a private CT scan for all the reasons listed and to trust the nhs process. Really appreciate all the responses and advice.

xxx