Hi,

Good question. The vast majority of patients are told face to face by a consultant. The Trust I am under won't even give good news out over the phone to avoid people assuming the news is bad if they are called in for a face to face consultation. This is best practice - sadly not everyone follows it.

I was told face to face in a rather bruaque manner.

You know tumours were seen during your endoscopy.

My wife: Is it cancer?

Yes, the biopsis and CT scan confirm that it is stage 4 cancer, inoperable and incurable so I' referring you for palliative care. Any questions?!?! 

Hi

My first diagnosis was face to face with a nurse, the second diagnosis was on the phone with a nurse, however, she got it wrong and I only knew the truth when I met the surgeon weeks later.

I was told on my own in hospital,by a very young member of my team that only dealsnin gastro bynthe way,she came to my bed smiling and told me I had lung cancer and was sending me home with palliative care,and just walked away from me,I nearly died there and then with shock,I complained crying to nurse on duty so this young lady was hailed back up to me with head team to apologize,but I told them the damage was done at that stage,she got a right going and sent home for the day,I was taken to another hospital wherenive had 4 chemo's and Oncologist has told me chemo is shrinking the cancer,going toward with treatment next week,don't know if they will keep me on chemo or maybe some radiotherapy,

But that initial Diagnosis has destroyed my mental health,praying this cancer continues to shrink.

Angie,x

Hi

I went for biopsies last week, unfortunately for me I used to work in the department so when I was sent for mammos I knew then I had cancer (33 yo, not routine to have mammos) went back along to nurse, stated that didnt look good, come back in week for results. 

Seen consultant yesterday confirmed grade3 HER2 + beast cancer. Start treatment in few weeks.

Hard going, as have 6month old baby. 

Mo