Hi Worried-for-dad,

A very warm welcome to the forum.

I am sorry to hear about your dad's health. This is always a worrying time waiting for results, but it must be especially worrying for you, noticing such a dramatic change in a fit man, in such a short period of time.. It is always difficult for the consultant to give another appointment until the outcome is returned to them and a diagnosis is given. Regular MDT (multi-Disciplinary team) meetings are held, once the results are back. These meetings involve all the medical specialists who are likely to be involved in your dad's care. Here they will discuss the findings and decide on any treatment that may be needed.

Your dad hasn't been given a follow up appointment until a decision has been reached. Most hospitals will wait until they have got the results back and these meetings have been held, before contacting your dad, with his next appointment. The length of time one has to wait for results will vary from one hospital to another, as well as on the type of tests carried out. He could possibly phone his consultant's secretary in a couple of weeks to see if his results are available. They probably won't tell you anything, unless you have Power of Attorney for your dad. They cannot reveal the results over the phone, but can usually tell you if they are back and whether they have been through the MDT process. You will usually get an appointment soon after this has been done.

Have you discussed his eating and drinking problems with his GP? They can prescribe build up drinks and yoghurts which will give him sufficient calories to keep functioning. It is only natural that he is wasting away, weak and anaemic, if he doesn't have enough calorie intake at present.

I hope that things start to move for him soon. There's nothing worse than sitting in this "unknown" state. The sooner you know something, you'll be able to start treatment.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine