Hey, I’m Alex (freelance illustrator), and I need top surgery in the next few months.

Short version:

The NHS won’t help me, instead, they want to put me through endless biopsies and surgeries that don’t actually solve the problem. So I have to go private.

Long version:

I’ve had fibroadenoma since I was 16. Every 3-6 months, new lumps form in my chest. They’re mostly benign, but still need to be monitored every 6–12 months. It’s a condition I’ll have for life.

Since I turned 25, every new lump means another biopsy. As a non-binary person, this process has been deeply upsetting and traumatic. My most recent biopsy came back looking suspicious, and they now want me to have surgery to remove that lump.

But here’s the thing: even if I go through that surgery (which I really don’t want), more lumps will keep forming. The NHS is offering a cycle of repeated surgeries and biopsies - instead of just one surgery that could give me long-term relief and affirm my gender at the same time.

I’ve wanted top surgery for years. It’s not just about identity (though that’s a big part of it) - I also deal with daily pain from this condition, and there’s not much else that helps (I don't want to use painkillers constantly).

I’ve saved part of the amount needed, but I’m trying to raise enough to cover the full surgery, recovery, and some extra DNA testing to look into other health issues I’ve been dealing with lately.

This isn’t a life-or-death situation - I’ll be able to get surgery either way - but your support would make a huge difference in how I experience the process, both physically and mentally.

Originally, I planned to do this in a year or two, when I felt more financially stable (especially as an immigrant without permanent status in the UK). But with this latest biopsy, I’ve been advised to act within the next 2–4 months. That’s really short notice, and going private on such a tight timeline is expensive.

Any help, whether it’s a donation or just sharing this is extremely appreciated, thank you.