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First Appointment Experiences Under Covid Restrictions?

elipluto
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Hi all, 

I have my first appointment with an Oncology department on January 6th - I don't have a diagnosis of anything yet, but very low WBC and neutrophil counts combined with a host of symptoms (extreme fatigue, night sweats, easy bleeding, bone pain, headaches and so on) led my GP to give me an urgent referral. 

I of course am not asking anyone to give diagnosis suggestions or anything of the sort, but I was wondering if anybody knows restrictions regarding having family members present at appointments, under the current pandemic situation? 

I spent most of my childhood and younger teen years in and out of hospital, so if I have to go alone it's not the end of the world, but I am still only 21 (even if it feels old to me!) and have never had to deal with anything close to cancer. I can imagine being in an oncology waiting room will be really rather scary right before a very first appointment, and it would be really reassuring to have my mum with me. 

Of course, all hospitals are likely to be different, but if anyone could share their experiences in this area, I'd be really thankful!

All the best,

EJ :happy:

  • Offline

    Hi Elipluto,

    I am so sorry to hear of your symptoms. Sadly, in the current pandemic, most hospitals are limiting visits to breast clinics to just the one person. Some allow 2 when you are going to get the results of any tests, while others just phone your results through to you. It might be worth phoning the oncology consultant's secretary prior to your appointment to confirm that this is the case, as regulations can vary from one hospital to another.

    If you are worried about sitting in the waiting room, why not bring along something to read? You will find the staff all very understanding and helpful. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 11 years and am returning for further tests on 5th January. I have been asked not to bring anyone with me unless it is unavoidable.

    I hope that all turns out well for you. Do please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kindest regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hi Jolamine!

    Thank you so much for your reply. I did figure that would be the case, and it totally makes sense - especially as an oncology centre is the last place you want people coming in and possibly spreading viruses of any kind, let alone Covid! 

    Reading is a great idea! I've just gotten some new books for Christmas, so I'll be sure to take one along, as well as some podcast episodes to keep me distracted. 

    I hope all goes well for you on the 5th, and I wish you a wonderful start to the New Year!

    All the best, 

    EJ 

  • Offline in reply to elipluto

    Hello my husband comes always with me for my oncologist appt.i just say I have cancer and they let me in.

  • Offline in reply to Denise1977

    Oh, thank you for letting me know!

    I think as it's a first appointment and I don't have a diagnosis (and may not afterwards any way!) I'll go alone, but that really helps to know going forward if I'm likely to have more appointments. 

    Thank you!

  • Offline in reply to elipluto

    Yes they can't  deny an escort to you.Our oncology before you enter the waiting they check also my husband temperature and ask him if wasn't sick recently.There is lots of patients they have partner with them.Anyway I always try to look "miserable" and hanging on to my husband:)

  • Offline in reply to elipluto

     

    Hi Elipluto,

    Thank you. I shall be thinking of you on 6th and sincerely hope that whatever is causing your symptoms, it's not cancer.

    Keep in touch.

    Kindest regards,

    Jolamine xx

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