Hi, my mum had a CT scan and biopsy taken of her stomach over a month ago. She was told she would most likely get the results within two weeks, but when she heard nothing, she phoned to chase (two weeks and three days later). She was told it was likely to take another two to three weeks for an appointment (two weeks ago now). However, when she asked the nurse what they had found she was told she had ulceration of the stomach. When she asked directly if she had cancer, she was told 'yes'. The nurse said her results were being referred to haematology because they suspected lymphoma.
So, my 74-year-old mum came off the phone thinking she had stomach cancer, which I've explained isn't the case! I am very aware that there are many types of lymphoma and that they can start in the stomach. But this waiting for an appointment is becoming really stressful. She was told she would be referred to a hospital n Sheffield but she's called again today and been told she's actually been referred to a Haematologist at a hospital in Doncaster (where she had her tests). Still no sign of an actual appointment though, and she's been told to call the nurse again in a week if she still hasn't heard anything.
I'd like to think that the fact she's not being rushed through means that it's not so urgent, however, I have been a health journalist for far too many years to really believe that.
Does anyone else have a similar experience with waiting right now? Or with haematology at Doncaster? Mum said the nurse seemed to think the wait was normal. But knowing you have cancer and not having much clue as to what type or when you might get seen is beyond stressful! I appreciate the NHS is under intense pressure right now, but that just makes me more worried that she's not being seen as quickly as she might.
