Stomach cancer

I've just been diagnosed with stomach cancer.  My cancer specialist nurse says that if I'm eligible for surgery for my stomach cancer, it will still take 3 months to get the right information together before they can go ahead with the operation.  Surely this cannot be right.  People can't live with this level of stress for that length of time.

 

 

Parents
  • Hi 

    just reading your post, 

    sorry to hear about your diagnosis. My grandad had stomach cancer and he started treatment 3 weeks after diagnosis. 
    it doesn't sound right to be leaving it that long, the most I have known patients wait is 4 weeks if they are having surgery before any other treatments ( work in a nhs hospital) and a couple of weeks for chemotherapy. 
    If the hospital have a pals (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) ring them and they can check if everything is above board. 
     

    x

  • Thanks for your reply....I did question it with the nurse but she said it will take weeks to get the information together.  I'm not happy. 

Reply Children
  • They normally have a MDT(  Multidisciplinary Team Meeting)

     once a week or once every two weeks. 
    I know our grastro MDT is every Monday morning

    if they have had that then they have the plan what they are going to do  and then you could go to pals. if they haven't you could ask when the next meeting is an can they discuss your case at it. 
    if they say you need further tests before they can discuss you,ring the departments of what test you need and ask them to put you on cancellation list even if it's couple of hours notice because people cancel an they don't ring patients because it's short notice, 

    3 months is a big wait for any treatment

     

    X

     

  • I've been to see my GP today,  I've explained the situation and she suggests we ask for a referral to Newcastle which is about an hour away.  I'm going to wait for the results of my CAT scan Friday then ask for the referral.  I've also made an appointment with BUPA in Leeds to go private but will only be able to do that if I don't need chemo.  I haven't got the money but my kids have said I have to go for it and we will sort it between us all.     Until I have the results of the scan though I can't do anything.  

  • Hi 

    sorry to hear you that's your going through this. hope the scan results are ok, 
    maybe after the results you could ring pals. 
    you shouldn't have to pay for treatment that's absolutely shocking. 

    Try not to worry I know easier said than done 

    x