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Brother waiting for test results to see if he has mesothelioma. Been told it will take 10 - 14 days. Is this normal?

Salsrobbo
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My brother is awaiting test results in the fluid that they drained during an appointment at hospital after ct and xray. The doctor said he's 90 % sure that is mesothelioma but are waiting on the results of the fluid drained off to see if has cancer cell. That was last Friday 13th. Now Wednesday 18th. I thought that they'd be rushed through and back by now but after chasing them up,  the nurse said they take 10 to 14 days to come back! Is this normal when awaiting for cancer diagnosis? I thought that they had to rush it though.  He and all the family are devastated and desperate for the results. Can anyone help and advise please? 

  • Offline in reply to Salsrobbo

    Hello. I've tried to call the oncology nurses to have a private chat without my brother knowing but no one is around at the moment, being late on a Friday.  Was just advised to call 111 if we're worried about his mental health. I don't want him to know that we're privately reaching out. He's decided not to start any treatment yet to try and hopefully feel better after biopsy and drain removal, before he has to start and then start to feel ill again from the side effects that he will undoubtedly get . I've noticed that he's getting more and more down and depressed, short tempered and agrivated. He's never been like this. And I know that it's because he's never had cancer and the diagnosis of not curable before,  that of course he doesn't know how to deal with it. His wife is becoming more worried also about his mental health as he won't talk to the doctors about how it's affecting him mentally as its not his way.  Old fashioned man's man. Were getting worried about him thinking about suicide. He's not actually said anything but,  it is what he's not saying, that is so worrying. Also as he had such bad reactions from both the covid and flu vaccinations in the past,  he said he won't have anymore but im worried that he'll contract either or all of the viruses that are out there.
    Just don't know how to make him feel any better?

  • in reply to Salsrobbo

    Hello Salsrobbo

    I'm so sorry to hear about your brother's diagnosis and how the news has impacted his mental health. For some people, it can be very difficult to come to terms with the news that they have an incurable diagnosis and it's not surprising to hear that he struggling. 

    Do reach out to NHS 111 over the weekend if you are concerned about his mental health. They do have a specialist mental health service where you can access advice and support and if necessary they can arrange for him to see a health professional. 

    I'd certainly suggest reaching out again to the oncology nurses on Monday morning. Your brother won't' the the first patient that they have supported who has reacted in this way and it may be that they can offer some advice and support to help improve things for him, your sister-in-law and the wider family. You might also want to try and contact his GP surgery who may be able to help. 

    It's difficult when people don't want to talk about how they're feeling but hopefully, your brother will see that there is support around him and as he begins to feel physically better from the biopsy and drain removal, his mood will also improve. 

    Keep in touch Salsrobbo and we will do what we can to offer any advice and support through this difficult time. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    Thank you Jenn so much for your kind and thoughtful reply

    Kindest regards 

    Sally

  • Offline

    I’m afraid that’s about normal these days. Some parts of the NHS have a 28 day backlog of results due to a national shortage of trained staff due to a perfect storm of baby boomers retiring, 60% more patients coming forward for tests, retention issues (burn out) and not enough training places being funded by the government since 2010. 
    CRUK has been campaigning on this issue for at least 5 years.
    Waiting for results is in my view the scariest part of the cancer journey.
    Good luck
    Dave

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