Hello Sofie19, 

You did well to go and see the practice nurse after you noticed this lump in your breast and it's good that they referred you to the breast clinic. I can understand why you were shocked to find out that they were unable to perform mammograms or ultrasounds in the clinic due to a staff shortage and it does seem rather odd that the breast clinic you have been referred to cannot currently perform these important tests. The fact that you have not been given an idea of how long you would be waiting to have the ultrasound is rather concerning too. You shouldn't have to pay this amount of money to get the tests done at a private clinic when you would normally be expected to have them done at the breast clinic. 

Before you consider spending all this money, it would be worth finding out from someone how long it might take for you to have this ultrasound, if it's a matter of days, weeks or months. I am sure you are not the only patient going to this breast clinic who is demanding some clarity on this so it might be a good idea to contact them again and explain that you are feeling understandably anxious about it. and need an estimate. I wonder whether it might also be worth ringing your GP at the surgery that referred you and explaining what happened and if there is any way you could be referred to a different breast clinic that has a radiographer who would be able to carry out ultrasounds/mammograms. Make sure you explain you need these investigations carried out but they are not able to do them there and then and were not able to tell you when you might be having them due to this staff shortage. It is indeed very confusing for you and I would try and talk to someone to get this sorted. 

I hope you manage to get somewhere after talking to them and that you get the reassurance you need and a timeframe for these important tests.

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator