Hope someone out there can help. I found a lump 6 weeks ago, had breast clinic appt two and a half weeks later for mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy of suspicious lump and "chunky" lymph node in armpit. Went back three weeks later for expected diagnosis of BC. Grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma Her2+. Treatment will be chemo and some other drug, followed by lumpectomy. I have 3 appointments w/c 22 August 1) MRI of breast area, 2) to see oncologist and 3) to have more biopsies of areas outside of main lump and another one of axilla node as the first biopsy showed only fatty tissue and they didn't have enough to run more tests. If it's another 2-3 weeks before the results come back, it will be 10 or 11 weeks since I found the lump, which the consultant told me has probably been there "quite a while" and is "very active". It's very scary and every week that goes by is another week of growth and spread. I'm considering getting the MRI and biopsies done privately or at least getting a second opinion privately about whether waiting another 4-5 weeks will make a difference. When they told me I would need more tests, I asked the BCN about the delay and she said a few weeks won't make any difference, but I'm not convinced. Has anyone taken the private route to speed things up at the testing stage but got treated by the NHS? Would really appreciate hearing from anyone.
