Lengthy wait for skin cancer treatment

Hello, my Mam (57yo) has just been diagnosed with skin cancer after months of me pestering her to see her GP. She has a scab/mole on the side of her face that the GP has said is skin cancer and has sent the photos off.

 

She has been told she has to wait till the 14th of March to be seen to at the hospital and I feel like that seems like a really long time. I always thought you should act fast with these things and it has me very worried.

 

I am also worried about her continuing to work in the current climate with Covid-19 running wild, I would really like her to stop working but that isn't going to happen apparently.

 

I'd just like to know if that seems like a normal time to be waiting and if you suggest she would stop work or will she be ok.

  • Hello Steven-H18

    I'm sorry to hear about your Mum's recent health concerns. It sounds as if you're feeling very worried about her at the moment which is understandable. 

    I know from lots of the posts we've had here on the forum that some waiting times to be seen by a Consultant are being impacted by the situation with Covid19. If it's feasible for your Mum to take an alternative appointment at short notice it may be worth getting in touch with the hospital and asking if they have a cancellation list so they can contact her if they're able to fit her in sooner. 

    I think it's understandable that your Mum wants to continue working. Keeping busy and focussing on the positive things in life can really help during what otherwise can be a difficult period of waiting for appointments, tests and results. 

    You may want to have a think about calling one of our team of nurses to talk things through with them. I'm sure they will be able to answer some of your general questions surrounding a skin cancer diagnosis and offer you some support and reassurance. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    I hope this helps. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator