Biopsy and treatment plan waiting time

Hi, my Mum had biopsies taken of a breast lump in breast clinic one month ago, told by Consultant at time it was cancer, still waiting on  the HER result one month later to decide on treatment plan, is this a normal waiting time given that she has been told it is cancer. 

  • Hi Macdav

    i had my diagnosis on the 12th Jan in India but because of the size and lymph nodes being involved was asked to travel back for treatment ASAP and i am still waiting for result and treatment plan so guess depends on where you are based but things look rather slow and obviously worrying for patient and family . i have the utmost sympathy with you and your mum and good luck and best wishes !

     

    Rama

  • Mac dav 

    I sent private I waited a week but I think normal times are usually 2 to 3 weeks msybe call the clinic and chase 

    good luck to your mum ️

  • Thank you Rama, sorry to hear your news too, yes it is not knowing what is coming next for her, she had an appt 2 weeks after biopsies to get results and plan, all results were not back, no further forward from then, I work for NHS so know how busy it is but this has been a shock to us all, as it is for everyone, and just having a plan in place would at least feel something was being done. Good luck to you. 

  • Thank you, yes she has since had a further appt and a telephone call but no further forward as still not all results back. I would be on the phone in a second but Mum would rather not, hope all goes well for you! 

  • Hi Macdav 

    I had an appointment to see the consultant this afternoon whcih was cancelled this morning as they had not received the result of the second vacuum assisted biopsy from 10 days back and rescheduled for next wed now . my son who is a histopathologist in London has found this very difficult to deal with and is making enquiries but we know that NHS is under unprecedented pressures and hope things will move fast fro you

  • Hi

     

    That's upsetting when an appt is cancelled, especially for something  as important, hope you get your result soon. 

  • Hello and thanks for your post,

    A month does sound like quite a long time but I have heard from other patients that sometimes they are waiting a while to get results back from pathology. This could be for any number of reasons such as work load and shortage of staff.

    I would however do what the other forum member suggested and ring the hospital. If your mum has  a named breast care nurse she could get in touch with them or she could try and speak to her breast surgeons secretary to see how much longer she is likely to wait.

    Her doctors like to gather as much information in deciding what treatment to offer her.

    We have some information on our website about how decisions are reached which you both might find helpful to look at here

    I do hope that your mum knows more soon.

    In the meantime if either of you want to give one of the helpline nurses a ring then you are very welcome to do so.

    Our helpline number is Freephone0808 800 4040.

    All the Best,

    Catherine