Hi all, 

I went to my doctors on 21 Feb with a sizeable lump in my breast. Having been urgently referred to the hospital on a supposedly 2 week basis, it then transpired there was a 9 week wait (yes nine weeks!) for all urgent referrals. My first appointment with the breast clinic was set down for 24 April!

I couldn't wait that long because my mental health was really suffering, and so I went to a private hospital on 22 March, and on 29 March I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma.

I was assured by the private hospital that going back into the NHS everything would move much more quickly now that I had a diagnosis. They told me I'd need an MRI but they expected the NHS to deal with this quickly.

I was contacted by the NHS hospital and told I had an appt with the consultant on 11 April. On the morning of 11 April I got a call to say the appt was cancelled, because my imaging hadn't been uploaded onto their system. No idea why not. I got an alternative appointment for today (ie a further week later). Long story short, today felt like a complete waste of time. Told me I have cancer. Well yes, I know that, and have done since 29 March. Told me I'd need an MRI. Well yes I know that too, and have done since 29 March. What has really got me though is that today I was told I'd 'hopefully' get an MRI within the next three weeks. Another 3 weeks!!

The consultant today examined me and said the lump felt bigger than the ultrasound images suggested, but as I told her, that doesn't surprise me because my ultrasound was 4 weeks ago now! 

I'm really really concerned about this delay. I've been told it's because they are understaffed, but to be honest I don't care. I just want progress. The consultant today said that she thought I'd be looking at a mastectomy, so tbh I don't get why they can't get scheduling that now, even before the MRI is done. Apparently that can't happen.

Is this something anyone else has experienced ? I've just terrified myself by googling (I know, I know) and a reputable site has said that surgery should take place within 30 days of diagnosis. For every 30 days surgery is delayed beyond that, it is suggesting that survival rates fall by 9%. I've got 4 young children. I can't be dicing with the odds here. I just feel like no one seems to care that time is ticking and it's my life on the line here. 

xx