6 months and still waiting for a definitive diagnosis

My dad had myeloma which went into remission after 6 months. During subsequent follow ups it was discovered his kidney function was abnormal. Took a long time to get a nephrology appointment (in march/april) but eventually dad was sent to a consultant.  He had a CT scan and a 'sinister mass' around his ureta was diagnosed (in june). We were led to believe they were going to do a biopsy of this mass (it since transpires that they took a biopsy from inside the ureta). The biopsy came back cancer free (in july). Dad was sent back for another CT scan and then a PET scan. The PET scan (2nd nov) cane back showing a number if 'hot spots'. A further biopsy showed he had t3 stomach cancer and the mass around the ureta was in the lymph nodes as well as a hot spot in the colon. We were told dad would need a biopsy on the ureta tumour as the felt it was a different cancer to the stomach cancer ie 2 primaries.  Now we've been told that because of dad's breathing  (Copd)and his weight they may not be able to do the biopsy. The said they won't start chemo on the stomach cancer until they know what the other tumour is in case it has a negative effect. We were told 5 days ago we would receive an appointment with an anaethnatist with a couple of days so he could assess whether the biopsy could take place but still no appointment. I feel powerless. He s got incurable cancer but is having no treatment.  They've known about this tumour around his ureta for 6 months but are no closer to diagnosis, let alone, treatment. Just don't know where to go from here. 

  • I have been in a similar situation with my dad in which it took around 5 months for a diagnosis and even now they are still not sure as it could be a different kind of cancer (20 percent likelihood) and may need a different chemo drug. Reading your story, I can completely understand your frustration. I have had to call the hospital multiple times to push them into actually treating my dad. Second opinion may be an option for you but there are risks with this as it could postpone treatment which I'm guessing you do not want to do. Calling Macmillan nurses (the number is in their website) and asking them about what your options are is a strong suggestion of mine!! I called these before and was so thrilled about what they told me. They are professionals in the field and may have a few answers for you. They also provide emotional support too. I hope everything works out, sorry to hear about this difficult time.