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Wait times and no contact - Breast Cancer

Kay-D
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The last two years has obviously put so many things under pressure and the NHS have had a lot on their hands, and I have no complaints, honestly!

I know wait times have needed to be increased and appointments pushed back, but my questions is, how long have people waited for follow up appointemnts and checks?

I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer Sept 2020, the last time I had any contact with the Breast Care team - physically seeing anyone was Feb 2021 - I phoned them July 2021 on the say so of my Doctor who said I needed to be seen, and it was quicker for me to make contact rather than her refer me, the breast care team said they wanted to wait for my blood tests to come back first and they would be seeing me in a couple of months anyway. But now in Feb 2022 and still no sign of any sort of appointment, annual mammogram etc... I don't want to phone them, as I feel I am not an urgent case and they have too much going on, but it would be really nice to hear from anyone else that is also waiting, that I am not the only one that has needed to wait longer for follow up tests, otherwise it feels like I may have slipped through the net again!!

So if this is a knock on affect from Covid, and they are just putting off non urgent check ups, has anyone else been affected??

Thanks

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    I would ring the consultants secretary tomorrow to ask when you are going to be seen in clinic it's possible to get lost in the system. The secs are usually really helpful and can send a message to the consultant for you, l hope you have an appointment soon 

    susie

  • Offline in reply to Alfieisastar

    Morning Susie,

     

    Thank you for your reply, I have been lost in the system before years ago, which has caused ongoing issues, but I also hate to chase things up, especially when I know they are under pressure.

    Thank you

  • Offline in reply to Kay-D

    They would rather hear from you than cause you ongoing issues and worries , they are back in the office now following Covid and trying to return to normal service. The drs are there in the clinic l would ring for a follow up appointment. I have an open appointment at breast clinic l can ring when I feel l would like someone to check my breasts. Last time I went they said that they can only say on the day that's all is fine like a snapshot and as things change they are happy to see you again. 
    take care 

    Susie 

  • Offline in reply to Kay-D

    Hi Kay, please don't feel afraid to chase up important health matters, it is so important to advocate your needs. One phone call feeling a little bit awkward is a far better option that putting your health at risk. They will be happy to help you and put your mind at ease. Please don't wait!!! 

    Best wishes

    Crystal

  • Offline in reply to Chris85

    Thanks for your reply Crystal,

    I think I am going to have to chase things up, I just keep hoping I am going to receive a letter to tell me I have an upcoming appointment!!

    Kay

  • Offline in reply to Chris85

    I have now phoned the breast team, and it turns out I should have been seen, so they are booking me in for an appointment within their two week wait. So thank you both for giving me the kick up the bum I needed to chase this up. I will hopefully be given the news that I am now no longer classed as an ongoing cancer patient..

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