Cancer Research UK main site

No appointments available within 2 weeks despite being on the urgent 2 week pathway. Is there anything I can do about this?

Airmail
Offline

I’m on the urgent 2 week pathway for suspected endometrial cancer - I can see my ultrasound results from last week and there’s definitely cause to investigate further - except there aren’t any appointments available in that timescale! 

I was offered an appt at 3 and a half weeks but I’m actually in a different country that day so had to accept the next which is then over a 4 week wait. I am free within the expected two weeks.

Is there nothing I can do about this longer wait? I was told sorry but they’re very busy and that the likelihood of a cancellation is pretty much zero too. 

…also appear to have insomnia now. 

  • Offline

    Unfortunately, as you have found out, the 2-week pathway doesn't always mean 2 weeks. My wife had to wait 3 weeks for her 2 weeks appointment. Those waiting times hugely depend on the area and hospital.

    All you can do is call them and ask if there are any cancellations. Even going private at this point won't net you a quicker appointment because since covid, they're busy too. It's a knock on effect from the NHS having huge backlogs since covid.

  • Offline in reply to ProfBaw

    Thank you for sharing your experience.
    All I could think of was requesting a referral to a different hospital but now I think that resets the 2 weeks so there's nothing really to gain in doing that. 
    Putting Project Distraction into action and trying to stay sane …but I may ask for some sleeping pills at the end of the week if I still can’t sleep. 

  • Offline in reply to Airmail

    Yeah, that's the problem with flip flopping between hospitals, it resets everything, and you end up waiting longer. At this point, 1 week isn't going to change anything, but it is 1 more week on the mental front. I always think the waiting and not knowing beforehand is one of the toughest times mentally. There is no magic bullet, and if you do find something that works, bottle it and make millions from your discovery.

    Just stick it out, but do call about cancellations because a fair few folk do cancel and who knows, you might hit it lucky. Some people call everyday.

  • Offline in reply to ProfBaw

    I’m away on holiday the week before the appointment and did think I might be awaiting the results by then but thinking about it the holiday might be more enjoyable not being in that situation just yet.  Always looking for positives. 

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.