Hi Jules1967

I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling with getting an appointment at the moment. GP's are seeing patients for face-to-face appointments but most surgeries are still telephone triaging in the first instance. I can understand that it's very frustrating to be asked by the GP to ring again next week for a routine appointment. 

It is important that you speak to the GP again about this lump. Regardless of how long it has been there, it needs to be checked so please do get in touch with the surgery again when they re-open next week. If you have no joy in booking an appointment you can raise the issue with the practice manager. 

In the meantime, try and remember that the majority of women who are seen by a Consultant with breast changes are not diagnosed with cancer. There could be many other reasons for this lump so try to remain positive about things. 

Keep in touch and let us know how you get on. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

I don't know what part of Wales you are in but when I phoned up my surgery almost 3 weeks ago they said that it's not a telephone appointment and an appointment was arrangenged for the same day.

It shouldn't matter how long a lump has been there it should still justify a physical visit.

If you are in North Wales then expect extra delays!

Hop you get seen to very soon x

Thank you for your responses. I am in South Wales. I will ring again tomorrow. I only work upstairs from the practice (work for the NHS) will let you know how I get on x

Just to update. Managed to get an appointment on the 7th of July. Was referred on that date. I rang my gp practice yesterday to be told 'a referral was sent on 7th of July to radiology dept' and referral sent on 27th July to the breast clinic. Was told to ring the hosp to chase.

I rang hosp today to be told that radiology dept do not deal with breast scans, I was transferred to breast clinic. There was an answer phone service. I left a message but no one has got back to me yet? Don't know how I can chase this any further? 

Hi 

Contact your gp surgery and ask to speak with the secretary explain you have heard nothing and can they chase it.

Xx

Hi,

Left another voice message, nurse rang me back and gave me 2 numbers to contact. Rang those numbers and yet again no answer, left voicemail on each of them, just waiting for them to get back to me 

Hopefully someone will get back to you soon. 

Not sure how it works in Wales but I'm a medical secretary and know we can chase up appointments to find out wait time.

Xx

just over 4 hours ago I finally got an appointment given to me over the phone by the cancer unit. Haven't heard a thing in over a year.  I was meant to have a phone assessment last year. about being assessed to see if I can go to a midlands hospital that deals with liver transplants only for it to be cancelled three times. As for my own GP, I can't buy an appointment. I get given lame excuses. and told to see the cancer team.

I just feel I'm worse off now than I was 6 months ago, simple tasks have now become a pain to do.  There are times when I feel the system is letting people down.

Hi blobs 

Sorry to read your ongoing nightmare.

You are right the system is letting people down and its so wrong. 

I do hope you get everything sorted.

Louise xx