Bone cancer after breast cancer

Hi 

I've been told i may have cancer in my sternum and spine after waiting 6 months for a CT scan that was referred for by my breast cancer consultant. I'm angry the test took 6 months to happen then waited 4 weeks for result. Another 2 weeks to see oncologist. More waiting for MRI scan. I had breast cancer in 2019 which was also in my lymph nodes. Should my wait of been so long x 

  • Hello Tracyandjo

    I'm sorry to hear that, after waiting so long for a CT scan that you've been told you may have cancer in your sternum and spine. It's perfectly understandable that you're feeling angry about this news and how long it has taken to get to this point. 

    It's difficult to say why you had to wait so long for the initial CT scan, but it may help you to get some answers if you contact the hospital's PALS team. It's part of their role to help resolve concerns or problems when you're using the NHS. 

    In the meantime, if you think it would help to talk through this news with one of our nurses before you meet with the oncologist, you're welcome to give them a call. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    I hope that the Oncologist can offer you some reassurance about the next steps when you see them. Keep in touch Tracyandjo and let us know how you get on. We're here for you. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Hi Tracyandjo.  I am so sorry to hear that you had to wait so long for scan and results.  I am not shocked though as the NHS wheels seem to take a long time to get into motion.  I had breast cancer in 2012.  Last year went to doctor with hip and back pain sent for X Ray.  Nobody came back to me at all for the results.  I saw on NHS app it showed to lesions in pelvis, phoned doctor he said nothing to worry about.  Went for physio she sent me for MRI.  Turns out it is secondary breast cancer which is incurable.  I only started treatment in December last year which is 10 months after visit to doctor.  It is now in pelvis, spine, ribs skull etc.  I keep thinking if they had acted quicker it would not have spread so much.  So I do understand the anxiety, worry and frustration of all the waiting.  Have you seen the oncologist and had MRI yet?  

  • Hi 

    I have an Mri booked for Monday then oncologist again on 23rd. More waiting which is the hardest part. I hope your treatment is going well. X