Hello Lou1977

I'm sorry to hear that your partner has been told that they have a suspected blood cancer. It's understandable that you both may be feeling anxious about this and the wait to see the specialist. 

There are different waiting time targets for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in the different UK nations. Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales do not have a Faster Diagnosis Standard target (often referred to as the 2-week wait). Instead, in Wales, there is the Suspected Cancer Pathway. This combines all urgent and non-urgent referrals into one target time of 62 days or less. This means that when cancer is first suspected, everyone should have a confirmed diagnosis and start treatment within 62 days. You can read more about waiting targets on our website. 

We know that for many people, this period of waiting and uncertainty can be incredibly difficult. The unknown can be a scary prospect to face, and understandably, you want to make sure that your partner is seeing the specialist as soon as possible. There could be any number of reasons that the date they have been given is a few weeks away, but it's worth giving the waiting list team a call and saying that if a short-notice appointment becomes available, they can attend (if, of course, this is practicable for you). 

In the meantime, if you'd like to talk things through with one of our nurses, then you're most welcome to give them a call. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can ahead of your partner's appointment with the specialist. If you'd like to talk with them, they're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

I hope that you both have some answers and reassurance from the specialists soon Lou1977. Keep in touch and let us know how they get on. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator