How did you find out it was cancer?

I had a biopsy taken about three weeks ago, I called the consultants secretary today to ask if the results were in and she told me my urine cytology was all clear but that she would need to get the consultant to read the pathology report and he would write to me or give me a call to explain the results. I am now panicking that if it was all clear she would have just told me like she did with the urine cytology? Can I ask how did you find out you had cancer? Was it by letter, phone or in person? Thanks

  • That sounds to me like either those results have not been interpreted by the consultant yet so she doesn't have the results or she isn't authorised to give such results over the phone.

    I had an appointment a week after my biopsy to get the results and that was where I was told they were cancerous.

    Given that she said he'd write or phone, rather than arranging an appointment for you, I really doubt this means it is definitely cancer. It may mean she doesn't know yet.

  • Hi MargaretMary,

     

    So sorry to hear that your biopsy was cancerous, hope you're doing ok? Thank for the message that's really helpful indeed. She did actually say that the report hadn't been read yet as the consultant who took the biospy has now left the trust so she needs another consultant to take a look at it and get back to me.

  • I'm absolutely fine, thank you. It was over two and a half years ago and it was thyroid cancer, so was really just a matter of removing my thyroid.

    And yeah, if it hasn't been read yet, it sounds like they just don't have the results.

    It's really easy to start reading way more into things than is the reality. I had a scan a year after my treatment to be sure they had "got it all" and was told they would phone me with the results, then I got a letter asking me to come in and freaked. I thought if they wanted to see me, they must have found something. Turned out they were just reinstating in person appointments after covid died down and the results were all clear.