Two Week Wait Actually Nine Weeks!

Hi,

Newbie here :-) My GP referred me on 29.03.2021 due to a suspicious mole on foot sole (doctor said he was pretty sure it was acral lentiginous melanoma). He suggested I'd probably get a call or letter to see a Dermatologist/ Specialist. I eventaully received a letter last week for an appointment 01.06.2021. I thought being sent throught the "2 week pathway" that I would be seen in 2 weeks, 9 weeks is a lot of worrying but is this a normal waiting time in Englang due to COVID? Should I call my GP?

Thank you for reading and hopefully a reply :-)

  • MustangSally8721

    Hi  MustangSally, I've just read your post and I'm.sorty to read about your mole on your foot,and your GPS  concern about it.

    I can understand why you are worrird ,as a 2ww referal is excactly that ,it should be a two week wait,not as long as you have been given to wait. If it was me I'd be ringing my Gp and letting him know that the appointment you've been given is concerning you,as you was expecting to be seen within the two week period, as that was your GPS wish. I'd ask them if they could contact who ever your mebt to be seeing about this, or  at least contact the secretary  to see if your appointment can be moved forward. 

    Hope you can be seen quicker, and get this sorted. Good luck with evetything,  and do let us know how things go .x

  • Thank you for your reply Jassoscared, I really appreciate that... I think I will give the GP a call, I just didn't want to come across as a Moaning Minnie as I know COVID is still going on but the wait is making me feel like I'm on a see-saw of emotions... I will keep an update of any "journey" I have as I would hate for anyone to be going through something with no advice or story to turn to... I hope your own journey is giving you some answers?

    Thank you again for taking the time to reply :-)

     

  • Just a minor update to say that I did call the GP with my concerns about it being over the 2 week wait and they said it was due to "COVID catch up" and services are very behind... She said that the 1st June was actually one of the quickest referral dates she's had back for a patient! She said not to worry too much as "cancers on the feet are very slow growing and you're a spring chicken, age is on your side!" :shocked: She did say that after looking at the picture I had sent in via the online portal she said they will definitely remove it for biopsy. I will update again once I have my appointment so anyone going through the same journey will have some kind of reference... x

  • MustangSally 

    Hi ,well that call to your GP was worth it,as it must of put your mind at rest, and stopoed you from feeling stressed. I know in some areas Covid has put lots of appointments on hold,I was lucky in the area I've, sending you positive vibes ,good luck with evetything.