Wait till Jan or go private?

Currently in the exact boat of many of you here! :confused::sad:

I was told by my GP on the 14th Dec that they had found a 8mm breast lump during an unrelated abdominal CT scan. They said they would do the 2 week urgent referal and I agreed. It turns out that the date of that appt isn't until 11th of January. 

It was explained to me that they don't have the capacity in the waiting rooms now, due to social distancing, however it seems a long time to wait even so.

I can't really afford it, but I was wondering if it was worth going privately, or if due to the small size of the lump that waiting until the 11th of Jan would be fine? 

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you :)

  • Hi Lunala,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. I can understand your dilemma. I know it may seem far, but it could be much worse as waiting times in general are longer at the moment, and particularly over the Christmas period. It's not uncommon to have to wait longer than this. It is unlikely you would be seen much sooner by going private, but ultimately it is up to you.

    Try if you can to sit tight until your appointment - take things one day at a time and focus on enjoying the festive period as much as you can.

    Take care and wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi 

    welcome to the discussion board. I am in a similar position where my appointment isn't until January 10th. I looked into going private and the nearest appointment is January 6th and was going to cost me just under £1000. As a mother of 4 children under 12, I couldn't justify it when my NHS appointment is 4 days later. 
     

    the situation could be different in your local area. 
     

    alicia