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2 week pathway worry

Aej1990
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Hello,

I have come to hopefully find some stories of reassurance as I'm having a very worrying time. I went to the doctors for some very mild pain in my lower left abdomen (came and went) but I am very anxious about my health so I do go to the doctors for any small aches and pains. No other symptoms. The doctor wanted to do some swabs and as she was putting the speculum in, she was having a bit of trouble. She said there was some blood on the swabs (which I wasn't too worried about as this happened last time during my smear test). She then said she wanted to refer me for a second opinion to gynaecology as it was an 18 week waiting list otherwise. She said that 'she hadn't seen that before' when she was examining me. She then said someone would call me for some blood tests and that I wasn't to worry but it is called the '2 week cancer pathway'. I asked if she thought it looked like anything serious and she said, that it didn't look like it. I was in such shock that I didn't ask anymore questions and just left. Since then I have been in a state of panic and shock. I've had my bloods done which showed a slight out of range full blood count (apparently this can be due to stress or being on the contraceptive pill) and she wants to repeat my CA125 in two weeks (no reason as to why). I have now got my appointment with the gynaecologist in a months time but I am beside myself with worry. She didn't really explain anything that was going on and when I called and asked about my blood tests and asked if I could speak to her the receptionist said that wasn't possible. I'm just wondering what she might have seen during the pelvic exam that made her so worried and how that could be related to ovarian cancer (which I believe the CA125 is related to), surely you can't see your ovaries during a pelvic exam?

I am due to go on holiday im 3 weeks and I don't think I'll be able to enjoy it without some sort of reassurance, googling has made it 100 times worse as I've convinced myself I'm going to be diagnosed with advanced cancer.

I am even considering having a private appointment to get seen before my holiday.

 If anyone has had a similar experience then please let me know!

Thanks in advance!

  • Offline

    Bleeding could be caused by a number of things, for example cervical ectropion which is totally benign. Googling is probably the worst thing you could do if you are prone to feeling anxious about your health, as Google always highlights the worst case scenario.

    On the NHS app you can log in to see notes from your appointments which may have more detail about what it is the GP was concerned about, you could also contact the GP again for further clarification as I think it’s quite poor they didn’t tell you what was going on. 

    Just because you have been referred on the 2 week wait does not mean you have cancer, it is the quickest way to get seen and could rule it out. Remember GPs are General Practitioners meaning they have to have a broad knowledge of a lot of medical issues but not as in depth as gynaecologists who are the experts. I’m sure whatever it is, the gynae will have seen it before and can sort it.

    I would also consider speaking to your GP again about how you are feeling as they may be able to refer you to counselling or something regarding the anxiety.

  • Offline in reply to Flatwhite

    Thank you so much for taking the time to reply! It's put my mind at ease that there are other things out there as she just said that she was referring me through the 'suspected cancer pathway' and the appointments and blood tests have really made me stressed. 

    Again, I really appreciate your reply and I will contact my GP regarding support for my anxiety.

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