This research qualitatively investigates experiences of breast cancer treatment, with a focus upon individuals’ decision-making processes. Treatment pathways involve many procedures, from diagnostics through to mastectomy and adjuvant therapy. Numerous guidelines stipulate that treatment decisions should be shared between physicians and patients. Additionally, the UK Department of Health sets target treatment times which are likely to decrease due to improved diagnostic technologies. One example is Sentinel Lymph-node Biopsy (SLB). At the University Hospital of North Staffordshire (UHNS), lymph-nodes are assessed after initial surgery, with patients waiting up to 10 days for results. If cancer has spread all lymph-nodes are removed in a second operation. However, new intra-operative techniques allow SLB results to be returned during initial surgery, allowing all nodes to be removed immediately and necessitating only one operation. Our recent audit of services within the breast clinic at UHNS (N = 60) revealed that patients were generally satisfied with current practice, but needed more information and discussion about new technologies. Of particular note were responses that hypothetically consented to concurrent initial treatment and lymph-node removal, yet inversely indicated a wish to discuss the removal procedure after the SLB result. Therefore a critical view is imperative to review the psychological impact of procedures that are consented to hurriedly to satisfy targets, and to address the clinical versus personal agenda as patients adjust to diagnosis, treatment and possibly a changed body. There is also scope to explore when psychological intervention is most appropriate based upon personal narratives rather than institutionally target-driven practice.