How long should it take between diagnosis and treatment. I was diagnosed with a 12cm tumour in my liver in April. We are now halfway through October and I haven’t even started treatment yet
A 12 cm tumour was found in my liver in an ultrasound. Took 4 months to diagnose bile duct cancer. Started palliative chemo on 10 October. Seems to be very slow with hepatic biliary cancers.
It is difficult to give an opinion without being involved in your care but you may find it helpful to read the guidelines on cancer waiting times on our website.
In England, Scotland and Northern Ireland the current targets are:
- no more than 2 months (62 days) wait between the date the hospital receives an urgent suspected cancer referral and the start of treatment
- no more than 31 days wait between the meeting at which you and your doctor agree the treatment plan and the start of treatment.
Even though there are guidelines these are only guidelines, and it doesn't take in to account the shortage of staff and resources in different parts of the country.
I would get in touch with the consultant's secretary and ask when you are likely to hear more.
If you haven't been in touch withPals at the hospital where you are due to have treatment and ask them to look in to it for you.
You could always talk to your GP to see if they can do anything to help move things forward.
I do hope that you find out more soon.
If you would like to ring and chat through any of this with one of the helpline nurses then you are more then welcome to give us a call. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.
I do hope that you are tolerating your chemotherapy without too many side effects.
If you would like to talk through anything with one of the helpline nurses then you are welcome to give us a ring. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.
