Concerns over no treatment yet for lymphoma

My mother was recently informed after a PET scan she has a mass in her stomach - unfortunately the results went amiss and it was 2.5 weeks until we finally got informed of this. She was then referred to the cancer unit and we were informed there is the mass in the stomach and another nodule in the neck, vertebrae and bladder. So next step was to do a biopsy on the neck which took place and results were given as low follicular lymphoma for the neck. Last week they decided there should also be a biopsy on the stomach and this is scheduled for Monday, 3 September with a follow-up appointment on 12 September (not necessarily with results of biopsy as they can take 10 days!!!) I'm very concerned that no treatment has yet been given and there are such delays. I've stressed this to the clinical nurse who has told me not to worry but that on 12 September if no results they might prescribed steroids to help shrink the lymphoma. Am I right to be seriously concerned that no treatment/chemotherapy has started yet? She has been ill since early July and the PET scan was done after an endoscopy and CT scan on 19 July!

  • Hi concerns,

    I'm so sorry about your mum's diagnosis and all the waits she's having.

    This isn't my area but I know that my cousin was close to 3 months between being diagnosed with lymphoma and starting treatment.  Her sister is a doctor (Consultant Endocrinologist) and wasn't concerned by this so I guess much as the wait is awful for us it may be that you mum's length of wait is relatively common for lymphoma.  Their concern will likely be figuring out the best possible treatment and that could be requiring further tests.

    I can't imagine they would hold off on treatment if it was required now but you might want to ask what the usual wait between diagnosis and treatment is for your mum's hospital and type of cancer.

    My cousin got the all-clear quite recently :)

    Best wishes to you and your mum.

    LJx

  • Thanks for your positive reply. I just need to be patient and strong. Your words have helped & I sincerely thank you, perhaps I’ll sleep tonight. I’m just a born worrier! I’ll update once I get any updates.