What a difference a day makes - 2 week referal appointment.

Last Tuesday i had a dental appointment where i was told the dentist would refer me to see a specialist as a small white patch was found on the roof of my mouth.  Two days later i had a call from my local hospital for an appointment next week. When i asked what the appointment was for i was shocked to hear the oral cancer department.  I have no one to talk to to ask what happends at the appointment and my stress levels hitting the roof.  Google tells me anyone suspected of having cancer is seen within two weeks and my appt letter says the appt takes two hours. Has anyone got any idea what happends at the appointment? 

  • Hi Embroidt

    I has similar last year, a lump in mouth and a 2 week referral to oral cancer clinic. I had a scan done then went into see a Dr who checked inside my mouth and the scan. It was all clear for me so sorry I don't know what would happen if anything. She did say she could only feel something little which could be scarring and said if I wanted a biopsy I could have one. I was happy with what she said that nothing to worry about and dentist to keep an eye on it.

     

    Hope all goes well for you, don't Google anything xx

  • Jayde46,

     

    Thank you for replying. I think at first the biggest shock was a two week referal. I told the person on the phone i must be really sick as no one gets a 2 week referal on the Nhs.

    Google says the Nhs have a 2 week urgent cancer referal policy and thats all i know. 

     

     

     

     

     

  • Hi Jayde,

    I am in the same boat got a 2 week referral for breast lump. I think when it comes to any lump/bump/spots etc that potentially be something they move really fast. Doesn't mean that if you get this referral something is definitely sinister they just don't want to lose time and move as fast as possible.

  • Hi Luiza,

    Its a good system to have i just wished i knew the 2 wk referal existed and then i wouldnt have been so shocked. At one point i wondered how long i had to live or what horrible treatment awaits me. Imagination run riot and i now find its normal policy to be seen quickly. 

  • Hi Embroidt,

     

    I completely agree! I was exactly the same when I asked the gp how long for the appointment for the scan and said it will be an urgent referral so 2 weeks i honestly burst out crying when i left her office. I have my scan next week so my imagination has equally been running riot....let's both keep positive! 

  • Hi Luiza,

     

    On the outside ive tried to look calm but on the inside my stomachs been churning. It made me realize what other ppl must go through waiting for appointments/treatment. 

    Im keeping busy and have got to the point where i cant wait for my appt next week. Its the not knowing thats the worst thing thats causing me to be stressed. Im expecting the worst but hoping for the best.

     

  • Morning Embroidt

    I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling so anxious ahead of your appointment next week. It's understandable that you're worried and I think many of our members here will agree that it can often help to talk through your concerns and fears with someone. 

    If you'd like to chat with our nurses I'm sure they will be happy to offer any advice and support that they can to help you ahead of your appointment. they're available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Keep in touch and let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Thank you for your comments. Im stressed not only about the appointment but i have a phobia about hospitals. I spent roughly 2 years in/out of hospital, i know fantastic work is done but im also aware of the pain and suffering that goes on to make ppl better.

     

    Just physically walking into any hospital building and i start hyperventilating. I normally arrive early, find somewhere to sit and try to calm done before my appointment. I dread a Dr telling me this wont hurt because 9/10 it does.