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What can haematology do over the phone on a 2WW?

KGeorgie
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I'm a 34yo woman with a usually hard immune system but have recently been described as an anomaly by my GP after having sudden onset acute symptoms for nearly 6 weeks now and they have even asked me for my consent to be an anonymous case study. It started with a chronic urticarial rash - waxing and waning not helped by antihistamines, severe inflammation in my bloods that has been attacking my joints and disabling me. Particularly my hands, wrists, knees and feet. Raised LDH, ESR and acute phased proteins that aren't settling. It isn't straight forward as my rheumatoid factor is fine as are other things that would indicate an allergy or other auto-immune condition. So, they are concerned about a rare kind of Lymphoma which has scared the living daylights out of me if I'm honest. 

Because I didn't completely 'fit the bill' for a 2WW weeks ago, I have had to wait 3 weeks for Haematology to review my e-consult and for my GP to discuss this with the consultant and finally agree to the 2WW. I have been given a telephone call which is booked for 20/09. I'm just wondering, what will this be for? I have had most of the bloods taken by the GP and an ultrasound booked. Also an appointment with Rheumatology today but I'm just wondering what can be done over the phone. I'm concerned that this is just delaying the process even further but know I also have to be patient and wait for my ultrasound results etc. 

Thank you in advance, K 

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    Hello KGeorgie, 

    I can understand why you are feeling so anxious as they are investigating at the moment what may be causing these acute symptoms and I hope that they will be able to rule out this rare kind of lymphoma. I am glad they have finally agreed to the 2WW as it will speed things up and bring you closer to getting a full diagnosis. 

    Not many days now until you have your phone call on the 20th - I am not sure myself what this phone call will be for but I don't think it will delay the process even further - they seem to think this phone call is a necessary step and I hope that it will be helpful to talk to someone. You are right when you say that all you can do unfortunately is be patient and wait for your ultrasound results as well as the results of any other necessary tests. I hope that your appointment with rheumatology went well and that it has shed some light on what is going on. It does sound though like you are in the most capable hands and it's only a matter of time before you get the full picture of what is going on.

    Waiting for results can be so difficult and time can seem to pass really slowly and anxiety can be at an all time high.  You will feel better I am sure once you know exactly what is going on and have a treatment plan in place. There are helpful tips on this page to help you cope while waiting for important news which I hope will help you a little during this time of uncertainty. 

    Other members of our community will have been in a similar situation and I hope that they will be along shortly to tell you more about their diagnosis experiences and perhaps they will also have had the same phone call and will be able to tell you more about this. Our nurses are also available on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and they may be able to guide you further or point you in the right direction.

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

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