Are these delays typical?

Back in July my husband had a positive result from a routine screening test for bowel cancer.  Since then he has has a CT colonoscopy, a sigmoidoscopy by an endoscopist with biopsies, a sigmoidoscopy by two doctors and an attempt to remove the polyp by at a specialist unit when further biopsies were taken.  He has now been referred back to the original hospital and has been told another CT colonoscopy may be needed before surgery.  My worry is that while all these investigations are taking place his polyp may be developing into cancer.  Every step involves a long wait, a further four weeks for an OPD at the initial hospital. Any advice please? 

  • Hi your husband does seem to have been in the system for a while now, as you are going back to the referring hospital consultant,  you could ring the consultants secretary, and see if the appointment could be expedited. 
    The secretary can speak to the consultant for you, l have contacted my surgeons in this way, getting a reply within days. The appointments girls and clinic are not as able to change appointments due to the system. 
    l hope this helps 

    susie

  • Thank you for your reply. Your advice is very good and luckily the consultant's secretary is very helpful.  My husband did speak to her on Friday and that was when the appointment for four weeks time was made. This could be changed when the results of the biopsies are known.  When we know so many people are waiting we have to take our turn but it makes me feel very anxious.  Very kind of you to respond.