Private vs NHS wait

Hi, I had my diagnosis yesterday and have been lucky enough to have gone private with my insurance. 
I had a mammogram, ultrasound and first biopsy on Monday, then a second biopsy and results yesterday.

I have the same as you I believe, grade 3 invasive, waiting on a date for an MRI and then when to start chemo (having that before surgery).

I have to say it’s been super quick. But I’m still absolutely terrified. 

Sorry you are also on this rubbish journey, but glad things are moving quickly for you. Hope the chemo is as bearable as possible

The waiting is just so

I work in veterinary (which is essentially like a private healthcare system) and the speed of diagnostics, decisions and treatments for our pets is so impressive. 

Hi. What I’ve found with cancer and the nhs is that if they think you can wait ie the cancer is slow progressing then you will but if it is more serious they won’t make you wait. They won’t put your health at risk. My biopsy stated a grade 2 but after testing the cells following mastectomy it said Grade 3 so things can change also. 

If you can afford private and want it all over quickly then go private but otherwise I can’t fault the nhs. My MRI and CT appointments came through quite quickly I found. Also once chemo was recommended I was booked in within 2 weeks. 

Thank you - I’m still trying to take it in, I’m shaking, lost and all things in between.

Have you got an idea of the time for an MRI?

I feel the same - so many emotions and am very up and down. I luckily do have my MRI on Monday, but my results appointment from that won't be for another 7/10 days afterwards due to timings of the MDT meeting in between etc. And I already know there is no surgery space for a while. I just feel desperate to evict the boob!!!!

Oh for sure, the NHS is great and I know has a fantastic reputation for treating breast cancer. My concerns for me are purely time based and on knowing that the demand for the service is always more than the resources they have and we can't fix that. My biopsies have already shown the highest grade so I know it's as fast growing as BC gets and mentally I'm finding it's so rough knowing it's in there, I'd have the boob off yesterday if I could!

Me too! It’s the thought of having this thing in me growing and possibly spreading.

Good luck with the MRI, I’m hoping mine will be early next week.

Sending speedy vibes to you!!

Hi NVR 

It's an awful predicament and I felt that things were moving slowly at the start.  I have private medical cover which work subsidise for me. When I was waiting for my first appointment  2WW I phoned them and at the 2 hospitals in my area they couldn't get me booked in for all the tests sooner than NHS. 

My consultant at the First appointment told me he could operate next week if needed as no waiting list on NHS but they needed various tests...such as MRI (which took a week) and her2 which took 3 weeks...do I think it can be the tests that take time. I think surgery timescales depends where you are in UK.

I found my lump middle of May and was operated on 26th June. 

Private medical care is great for non life threatening illnesses but they say NHS is better for things like cancer. 

Keep pushing them...it might speed things along. 

Yeah I know what you mean I just wanted mine off after I knew what was in there it was an awful feeling walking around knowing that I get that. 

There is no harm in making an enquiry privately and seeing when they could book you in.