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Is waiting 8 weeks normal for results?

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Hi 

I went for a biopsy on 30th aug and I was told at the time that it would take 4 weeks for results. I waited 5 weeks and phoned up to be told specialist was on study leave and results had not been looked at, I'm pregnant and need the results to ease my mind. I have phoned again recently to be told the specialist is on leave and they will chase it up and get someone else to look at it for me. This was a week ago I've had no phone call or letter. Should I be doing anything else ?

my grandmother died of cancer as did my grandfather I'm so worried but also worried that I know nhs is under pressure. 
also worried as at the time when I first saw the specialist he insisted that growth was on wrong side I came out of that appointment thinking I was wrong and the growth was on the other side, I was on my own and pregnant. I got home confused and a bit upset my husband was livid as he couldn't take time off to come with me (as he usually does) do i immediately phoned the phone number on the letter to say the guy is wrong he got the wrong side and there isn't even a growth on the other side. after I phoned up I got a phone call from specialist asking me why had complained? 
I hadn't complained just corrected the side as it was wrong and said that the growth is on left side not the right as I didn't want to get operated on the wrong side. I also said that the report from doctor clearly stated the correct side on it. I did not complain just correct where he was going to operate. 
so now I'm waiting for results and everything is going through my head waiting for these results. Is this normal???

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    I would contact the specialist secretary and ask that she chases the results for you. They have contact with them and can ask your questions l have had replies in the next few hours or couple of days. It really does cut out the clinic or someone that can't answer your questions. As your surgeon is away someone must be looking after his patients, and able to review your results. 
    lf you get nowhere with this try PALS patient liaison service they help with problems. 

    Or get your doctor to contact the hospital for you. When checking if l should take the drugs that the breast surgeon had given me due to my blood problems l had both the GP and then the surgeon ring me back within 20 minutes saying don't take it. 

    l hope that helps you and you are able to relax with your results soon, best wishes and l hope all goes well with your pregnancy. 
    Take care Susie 

  • Hello and thank you for your post.

    I am sorry you have been waiting for your biopsy results for some time now and I can appreciate that this is a worrying time for you especially when you are pregnant.

    Can I first say that having both your grandmother and grandfather dying of cancer does not mean you necessarily have an increased risk of developing it yourself. I say this because in most cases the risk of developing cancer is not inherited from family members.   

    I think Susie in her post above has given you some really good advice; get back in touch with the hospital team via the consultant's secretary and tell them how worried you are. If after doing this you still are getting nowhere contact (via switchboard) the hospital's Patient Advice and Liaison team (PALS) and ask if they can help.

    We all know the NHS is under more stress than ever before and that many people are waiting longer for tests to be done and then the results so I do hope you hear what they are soon.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Caroline 

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