Hi

aww that's good your bear your daughter. Thanks you I have everything crossed for 4th but if I have to have chemo I know I'm not alone.

Take care

xx

So sorry to hear that Caroleann. I have had delays, biggest one was GP which was initially dismissed in June then saw an online thread with someone with similar symptoms then diagnosed with advanced breast cancer and I messaged back on 4th November. Thankfully this time got a female GP who said that will be cancer, referring you today. 

What I found helps speed things up, and in your case if you are at stage 4, you absolutely should be a priority, is to phone the hospital. It took me 3 hours to get through first time but then instead of a 3 week wait due to delays I got seen in a week. Then I was given direct numbers. Seen on 12th for tests, mammo, ultrasound, biopsy, told that day definitely cancer and appointment for results on 19th which confirmed cancer so MRI and CT booked for next week and appointment for 3rd December for results when they said probably at stage 4 mets as in adrenals. Said new CT needed. 

Then I started hitting problems. The CT did not get booked so I phoned and chased, said 3 week wait, I pleaded and got Friday. Then they said could not see doctor only a phone appointment with a nurse for results in 2 weeks after that and then would book doctor and then 6 weeks before treatment starts if at stage 3 rather than stage 4. Would not even let me discuss with a doctor. At this point I complained via PALS and Chief Executive and suddenly scan results that day confirming stage 3, pre-op next day, surgery on Friday. 

They are overwhelmed atm and our hospital is 100% full and short staffed but cancer patients should not be left with delays especially advanced stage ones. I also have 2 kids at home who were distressed with all this and who need me to survive this. I now have had surgery and they said 2 week wait for results and given 4 but at least most of cancer is out now and was expecting 3 with Christmas but they implied was in lymph nodes. 

So would say phone, ask to go on cancellation list for appointments, hopefully once in system it will speed up. Glad you are closer to family. 

Thank you so much for the info. It’s awful to have to push so hard particularly when you’re at your lowest physical state. Again and again on this site the consensus is that you have to be proactive. I’m so glad to hear that it has helped you. Your children need you, keep pushing!  I’m thinking of you and sending positive vibes, please let me know how you get on xx

Yes the waiting is hard, but once you know or start treatment you will feel more positive. Have faith that your team are looking at the best treatment for you.I had surgery first then chemo and radiotherapy so we are all different. Just about to have my yearly meet with Consultant and telephone call with Oncologist so they are still looking after me. 
Best wishes

Silver 

Thanks Caroleann. Hope you hear soon and keep us updated. 

Hi many thanks for your reply I woke feeling so much more positive and 3 more sleeps to treatment results day   this cancer ride is something I have never experienced before in my life so think the shock took me totally by surprise.

love Paula xxx

Your friend's advice is excellent! I would wear red to my oncology appointments! A friend had sent me a card 'when in doubt wear red!' I had already bought a chic red hat I saw in London, and I found the cutest red pumps...and I find I keep finding red shoes. It made me feel happy. Whatever makes you feel happy is great for morale. 

I hope you get answers soon. 

I am very glad you have found this space to share your feelings and frustrations re delays. We need support on these journeys, and it is not aways possible to get that. Here there is empathy, support, but we are free from emotional involvement, and I think that can be helpful. It takes a bit of pressure off the family too. 

Covid has not made it easy...seeing a GP face to face has been impossible...and my haematologist wanted to see me in 6 weeks, but it was 12 weeks before I got an appontment. 

All the very best!

 

Thank you for the lovely reply. I am going to do my best to keep positive!  Although this weekend has been challenging, haven’t been able to keep food food or water down for nearly 36 hours. Just waiting to see my GP. Problem is how to tell if it’s the cancer or something else? Fingers crossed xx

Sadly red shoes won't help with that...but your GP will know what tests are needed. All the very best. Take care. XX