Hello there and thanks for posting

I am sorry to hear you are waiting for results and appreciate what an anxious time this can be for anyone undergoing tests.

It seems you have been doing all you can to chase up these results and hopefully the PALS department will be in touch with some news soon. 

From what you have said it sounds like your biopsy sample has been sent off for further checks and unfortunately this can sometimes cause a delay in the patient receiving the results.

Sit tight and try not to over think things until you have all the information. Do check in with the hospital again this week if you don't hear back from them in the next couple of days to see if there is an update.

Take care

Naomi

Thank you, I have heard from the PALS team and I have a pathology report being done on Tuesday. Does this mean that it is cancer or do they write these for non cancer too? Again thank you in advance

Hi they will do a pathology report for either x Hope all ok x

Hello and thank you for your post,

No, having a pathology report does not mean that someone has definitely got cancer. 

A result can show that there is nothing wrong, or that there is a health condition (not related to cancer) but in a few cases that there is cancer.

Hopefully, you will know the result 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 

Hello and thank you for your post,

No, having a pathology report does not mean that someone has definitely got cancer. 

A result can show that there is nothing wrong, or that there is a health condition (not related to cancer) but in a few cases that there is cancer.

Hopefully, you will know the result 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 

Ahh thank you, my anxiety had been all over the place, I've been trying to keep busy but fingers crossed I'll have a letter in the coming weeks, thank you for all your support

Update, I've just had a phone call inviting me in next Tuesday. I've been told that it's been sent to 3 different pathologists and they are struggling to label it. The consultants are having a meeting on Thursday so when I go in I should have answers on what to label it and then potential treatments. Is this something that happens often? Feel like I've just been hit by a bus! Thank you in advanced 

Hi, it sounds as if they are being very honest and thorough and hopefully you will have answers soon xx

Yes that is a plus side, I didn't have to go through pals to get any information on updates and I could not fault pals team at all they have been fantastic 

That’s good xx Fingers crossed for you x

Hello, and thanks for getting back to us again,

Sometimes identifying tissue is not straightforward and pathologists turn to their colleagues for their input and opinion. I can understand how unsettling this can be.

Do try and keep yourself busy and your mind on other things.

Hopefully, on Thursday they will be able to give you a clearer picture. If at any time you would like to ring and speak to one of the helpline nurses then you are welcome to do so.

Our helpline number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are here Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

All the best,

Catherine

Hi,

Seeking second & third opinions doesn't happen often but it isn't rare. They will discuss the findings at the MDT on Thursday and decide how to deal with it. The good thing is that they are being very thorough and not leaving anything to chance. Good luck on Tuesday and please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Thank you for all the support on here      you have all been great with your answers and reassuring me x