Not common practice but not unknown and almost invariably when the labs in the UK have a record backlog as they do now.

There's a chronic shortage of histologists in the UK compounded by record Covid-related sickness absence in the UK. 

Good luck with your results!

Dave

Not common practice but not unknown and almost invariably when the labs in the UK have a record backlog as they do now.

There's a chronic shortage of histologists in the UK compounded by record Covid-related sickness absence in the UK. 

Good luck with your results!

Dave

Ah great to know, thanks for the reply. The common sense part of my brain was saying 'it's surely because of the backlog' but the less logical part was telling me I have a rare disease that requires analysis in America :laugh: 

Hi Anxious, It's absolutely nothing to worry about. Your sample will have been sent to America for a test called oncotyping. We don't do it here in the UK. Don't ask me why, I have no idea. Your oncologist should've told you. The test will come back with a number which will determine whether or not chemotherapy is required.  Under 25,probably not, over 25 you will need chemo. My oncotype score was 30 so I had both chemo and radiotherapy after my surgery. Don't worry unnecessarily that your sample was sent to the USA. It is common practice and doesn't mean anything is more wrong than having cancer is already something wrong. I am surprised that you are waiting so long for the results as mine were back in 2 weeks, maybe there is a backlog at the lab in America?

Hope this info helps set your mind at ease. I know how stressful the whole cancer thing is but you achieve nothing by worrying about things that are out of your control. Keeping my fingers crossed for you, Mog, x