Hi, a family member was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer but they have to wait up to 48 hours to know what stage their cancer is at & what the most appropriate course of treatment is.

They were told by the NHS consultant who unfortunately broke the bad news the options available to them were surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Is it normal to have to wait to find out what stage the cancer is at? 

Fom what they've told me there's a meeting with various different doctors/health care professionals to determine the best course of action.

It just seems a little odd to me that they've been told they have cancer but not how bad it is or worse case scenario what their live expectancy is? 

I've not had to deal with something like this before, so any guidance would be most appreciated.