hi i am new to this site and not really sure wether im doing this right y, i would really like any info on waiting times for the breast clinics in south wales uk , i went to doctors nearly 3 weeks ago which she said that i definatley had one may be more lumps she said she would refer me as urgent , and i would hear within 2 weeks , after nearly 3 i went into the doctors to ask if the referral had been done as i am so worried ,i was told yes and told to phone the breast clinic ,which i then did they informed me that it had not been done, i was so upset i then phoned the doctors back and was told "ill do it in the next ten mins " , i i am so annoyed and feel they have let me down , i left it an hour and phoned the breast clinic back and they had received it but the only app they could offer for a urgent referral is in another 6 weeks time , my husband is furious and im just so scared but trying to hide it because of the little one , has any body used spire as my husband has booked me to go private with them and have a app on friday morning , can u please help and tell me wot will happen at this 1st app , sorry for rammblin on im just so worried ree
Bump… Not from this area etc but you have been v badly treated. Sorry. Debx
Please get back to your GP and breast clinic - remind them that it will be 9 weeks in total, and ask if this is acceptable for an urgent referral.
Hi - so sorry for what you’ve experienced - it’s bad enough finding a lump but then to discover you’re a victim of what sounds like mal administration is so unfair. I’m not from your area I’m afraid but it sounds way off for an urgent referral.
It’s quite likely you’re seeing the same surgeon at Spire as you would at the NHS, and it’s quite possible to start with a private appt and go onto NHS treatment if required. Do remember tho that most lumps are not cancer - 10 years before I was dx I had a fatty lump found and removed from the other boob - I went the other way round to you - I started NHS and on being told it was a 6 week delay for a ultrasound to confirm it wasn’t anything nasty I went private.
You’ll get a physical check. They will probably do a mammogram - when my mother had hers done privately she got the results at the same time - no weeks wait which you get on NHS. They may do a needle biopsy which - for me anyway - was easy - removing some fluid with a needle - I think the experienced surgeons have an idea when they see the fluid cos they told me they thought my fatty lumop was just that which is why they were in no hurry for the ultrasound. They may do an ultrasound, which is having very cold jelly smeared on your boob and then the sounder pressed all over - no problem with that - and you don’t have to have a full bladder either (my only other experience of ultrasound!). IF - and I stress if - after all this they think there may be something they want checked out they’ll give you a local in your boob before doing a core biosy. Difficult to describe this - for me it was excruciating but I’m very well endowed and teh bit they wanted to get at was a long way in and I think th elocal didn’t work that far in - don’t be afraid to say it’s not worked if it doesn’t - but most people find this no problem - I was unfortunate.
And that’s it. Trite to say don’t worry - you can’t do otherwise of course - but you’re being seen Friday and you’ll get a fair idea of the result on Friday. I hope you don’t join our club - let us know how you fare - best of luck
Nina
Hi REE
Welcome to the BCC forums, here’s a link to some information about waiting for a breast clinic referral on this site and what you can expect from your appointment:
Hope this helps, if you feel it would help to talk things through with someone on our helpline please call 0808 800 6000, we are open weekdays 9-5 and Sat 9-2 and are here to offer you further support and information.
Take care
Lucy
Hi Lucy
There are some NICE Guidelines that hospitals are supposed to follow that include waiting times I think, and every area has to have their Care Pathway for Breast Care. so if you want to use these to prove your case, then I’m sure the helpline on this site will guide you.
Cant undo what has been done, but can make sure that everything happens as it should from now on and can stop bad experiences for other people too - so up to us to report mistakes through the proper channels, when we have the energy , need to look after yourself first.
One tip though is to get and keep all documentary evidence, always ask for things in writing. All letters from hosptial to GP about you can be copied to you but sometimes have to ask. Can ask to see your hospital file too, but hope you dont get that stage
most big hospitals have one stop breast clinics that can do several of the tests on the same day and you get to see a Consultant if necessary that day too. Takes a lot of the stress out of it. Still waits for further tests if these are needed though but you are in the system and have a Breast Care Nurse at that point - hope you dont need to be there though.
Even if it is not good news, everything depends on the grade, size etc , there are so many treatments these days - all personalised to your type of problem , so much hope there.
Are you near Cardiff , I hear they are good for Breast Care.
Hope all goes well for you.
Kirsty
Just registered, my experience is almost identical, have Spire number now. What happened for you? Thanks