Hello there,

Having to wait like this must be so hard for you. I'm so sorry you're feeling like this.

This is what I would do of it were me:

I would definitely phone the surgery again and outline my concerns and, as you say, see if the scan has been arranged. I would also drop in a question that puts the onus upon them to answer. Something like "Are you sure it will be alright for me to wait this long for a scan? Are you certain it will be alright for me to wait longer?"

A question like this politely puts the onus upon the person you're speaking to, either to reassure you, or to find someone who can.

I find, at this point, the scan date usually gets arranged pretty quickly. That's just my experience.

And, although they're busy, it is not reasonable for anyone at your surgery to be abrupt with you.

You are important too.

You matter!

Your case matters too.

Hope you get your appointments swiftly and that you get all the reassurance you need,

Please let me know how it goes,

Mary.

 Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me. I really appreciate it. I shall do exactly what you say tomorrow. Would you recommend trying to speak to a Dr  instead of the receptionists when I call? I'm concerned that lump has grown in size since I first found it so it may be best to do that anyway. Do you think my referral would have been an urgent or non urgent referral? I read on the nhs website it's 2 weeks for urgent and up to 18 for non urgent. 

many thanks again

David 

Hi David,

The main point is that it's urgent for you. If you are unsure you absolutely DO need to speak to someone who knows more. Tomorrow sounds good.

The polite, "Are you sure ....?" question will usually get you past the receptionist, especially if you expect an answer. And, if they're not sure, and can't give you the reasons particular to your case, then you can gently ask to be passed to somebody who is.

You are important. You need reassurance. Your health is important. And it's not unreasonable, as Kelbelash has said, to ask questions about whether it's an urgent referral or not. If they say not, I might ask why not?

Often it is the things we don't know that scare us the most isn't it. Once you have the reassurance you need, with reasons, you may find yourself happier to wait.

And if not then keep badgering....

I'm such a terrible pest, but it gets results.

Thanks again for your replies. Just to update you both, I have been given an appointment to visit the Dr again tomorrow for a further examination. He will then deside if he needs to try speed up my scan referral. One thing I am worried about is I'm seeing a different Dr as the Dr I was last time is on anual leave. How he will know if it's grown I don't know but I will keep my fingers crossed. 

Hi David,

If you think it's grown you can tell him.

And the "Are you sure...?" question works pretty well with anyone if you're not entirely comfortable and reassured by what they're telling you. It means they either have to say "Yes I'm sure", or do more to help reassure you.

So pleased you are going to be seen soon. Hopefully you'll be happier after that.

Good news.

And, I think a second opinion can be useful anyway.

Do let us know how you're doing,

Fingers crossed it's nothing to worry about.

Mary

Hi, I went to the doctors 3rd july got a letter 4 weeks later on 31st and had appointment 4 days later for the 4th. Had ultrasound & found 2 lumps, one looks like fibroadenoma and the other suspicious, 3 biopsies later I'm waiting for a phone call tomorrow with results. There wasn't much knowledge on wait times from my doc  because of cv19.

sorry meant to mention i called my local breast screening unit where the ultrasound to see if the had me on file and they confirmed and that was the day before my appointment letter cam.

The doctor examined me yesterday and found 2 lumps. One not connected to the testicle which he was less worried about and one on the testicle. He's had sent a referral again recommending I'm seen working two weeks. If I don't get a letter by then I have to call back and he will refer me for an emergency scan within 2 days. Does this sound correct?

Just to keep this post updated I've finally got a scan appointment. It's not until mid September but it feels like a huge weight has been lifted now I know the ball is rolling. Thanks so much to everybody for your replies and support. X

Yay,

Really pleased to hear that it's being investigated thoroughly. Excellent news!

Thank you so much for letting us know. I had been wondering about you.

Wishing you all the very best,

Mary

:)