Still waiting … 4 weeks after referral

I just wanted a space to vent really - so apologies in advance. 

My urgent referral is still ongoing and not appointment thus far - the breast clinic is saying at least 5 weeks currently for their rapid referral. 

I am on week 4 of waiting and whilst I was able to set myself on an even kilter for the first few weeks, I am feeling increasingly anxious to not even have an appointment date. 

I have called sporadically to chase and to say that whilst I am on summer break from my job, I can take any appointment anytime - to no avail. 

I am just struggling with worry today. 

  • Hello QuietlyConcerned

    I'm sorry to hear that you're waiting for an appointment at the breast clinic at the moment. We know that for many people this period of waiting for appointments can be a particulary anxious time. Uncertainty can leave us feeling worried. 

    Unfortunately many hospitals are sdtruggling with waiting times and work pressures at the moment. Hopefully as they clinic have said 5 weeks you will hear some news soon about an appointment date. 

    In the meantime I wonder if you might find it useful to chat things through with one of our nurses. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice and support they can. If you think this may help they're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040 (exclduing bank holidays). 

    Do keep in touch and let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Hi I know exactly how you are feeling. I was referred on 21/7 and still waiting for an appointment m. I called GP again yesterday and she provided the hospital number to have me chase them up. 
    Right now I’m waiting for a call back. Part of me is desperate to be seen but I am also terrified of what might be ahead.

    I really hope we both get appointments soon but the lovely ladies and support on here is great so keep posting! 

    Pauline x

  • Hi Pauline 

    thank you for replying.

    I have chased mine also but I get told varying things by each person. 

    It’s a horrid waiting game isn’t it - fingers crossed you hear soon .

  • Thanks so much for replying. I am such a state with the worry of this now. I also get different responses but have got a GP appointment again tomorrow afternoon. If I haven’t heard by then I’m hoping she can get things moving.

    Let me know if you hear anything. What a rotten time for us x

  • HI QuietlyConcerned,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am sorry to hear that you are having such a long wait for your appointment and hope that you get an appointment through soon. Try to find a pastime to help take your mind off this all consuming wait. Unfortunately, there's nothing we can do to speed things up, but we are always here for you and we know the need to vent all too well.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on.

     We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • I’ve found as time has gone on the more it is over taking my thoughts. 
    This is now leading into the 5th week of waiting - annoyingly I have been off work for the summer holidays which has meant my mind isn’t as busy as it usually would be.

    hopefully your GP may be able to move things forward for you. 

  • Hi QuietlyConcerned,

    As soon as I read your post, I thought that it was a pity that you weren't at work just now. Even doing something as mundane as a jigsaw, can help for a short while.

    Kind regards,


    Jolamine xx

  • This is the place and space in which to vent. I do hope you will hear something soon.

  • I do hope you will hear something soon. I understand about being terrified.

  • I’ve contacted my GP today, who have chased the referral. However, they are now saying it could be 6 weeks until I receive an appointment. 

    I feel selfish saying this but I really do feel let down. 
    When I didn’t get an appointment at 2 weeks I was told 4. Then 5 and now I am almost 5 weeks I’m being told I won’t hear until atleast 6 weeks. It seems utterly horrid that the system is so backlogged that wait times are so wildly out of line. 

    I feel utterly deflated.