Has anybody else here been given a 2 week wait which is delayed, and if so what have you done about it please? I noticed 2 red patches on one breast (each around 1 - 1.5 inches in size, and both close together) that literally appeared overnight. Theres also a similar patch on my side chest wall (same side). The skin looks normal (maybe a little inflamed on the one of the breast patches) and doesnt itch. The gp gave me some anti fungal cream which I used religiously for the 2 weeks advised and there was no change. She also advised a bra refit which I have done, again about 4 weeks ago and now wearing a better size. Since then there is a slight thickening behind the breast patches and I have experienced nipple pain (which only lasts for a few seconds but feels like a needle being pushed through it - this has only happend 4 times in 4 weeks) and general breast itching which comes and goes, its the sort of itch you cant get to (deeper than in the skin). My GP referred me for a 2 week wait appointment with these extra issues. I also have some achiness in the arm and armpit on that side but cant find any lumps in my armpit, just a very slight indent in one area. The 2 week wait expires tomorrow and I still donât have an appointment - is there anything I can do, and should I (does this sound as though it needs prompt attention?). TIA
Hi. My GP told me to contact her if I hadnât heard anything within the two weeks and in fact I had a follow up from the GP to check that I had. They were obviously ( and rightly) worried about my lump but also aware of potential waiting times at breast clinics.
If I were you I would contact the GP surgery on Tuesday and/or the breast clinic you were referred to, if you have the number. Hopefully your issues are all benign ( and apparently most referrals are) but itâs far better to be safe than sorry. With the pressures on the NHS Iâm finding you sometimes have to advocate for yourself rather waitingâŚ.
Hope all goes well
Hi @ydnam01 the âtwo week waitâ for an initial appointment was abolished in 2023 and replaced by the Faster Diagnosis Standard which doesnât guarantee an initial appointment within two weeks but has the goal to let a patient know whether cancer is confirmed within 28 days of a GPâs urgent referral. To be honest, that is the aim but Iâm not sure it is achieved in all regional health authorities, particularly during the summer months when medics are on summer holidays too. Itâs impossible not to worry and get frustrated by a delay in getting an appointment so I agree with @gabrielle1 and suggest you find out from your surgery the contact details of the hospital to which you have been referred and call them until you get some action. I am having to do the same thing with the National Bowel Hospital where I was referred urgently in the middle of July (not for cancer - at least I hope not!). We shouldnât have to do these things but it seems we do. I was told by my oncologist that only 1 in 10 referrals turn out to be cancer so hold on to that. Good luck.
Thankyou for this, I have the clinic number and will ring Tuesday xx
Hi @ydnam01, sadly through my diagnosis I have come to realise not to wait on the NHS, but ring any number youâve been given and get yourself booked in. I was waiting too, which I came to regret, as earlier assessment and treatment could have potentially saved me from additional treatment. Dont wait for them to call you - you call them. Best wishes xx
Iâm so sorry pg92, I will heed your warningđ˘, I must admit I feel like Iâm sitting on a ticking time bomb. Hopefully itâs nothing bad but we just donât know do we? Wishing you a full and speedy recovery xx
@ydnam01, hello. Yep hopefully nothing bad. Im unfortunately going through chemo, and personally had things been a bit quicker through the NHS it potentially may not have come to this. Hence my advice. They are so busy, have so many patients, I donât think its an issue to ring yourself & get an appointment as soon as you have the referral. Learnt from experience, a bit too late though⌠sending hugs xx
I too was referred on the fast track 2 weeks (that was what the referral firm said). Was told by the clinic it eould be 4 weeks before they cojld book me in. Was hortified. Further delayed by a big switch over if systems so theyd reduced clinics!! I went private. I dont have orivate health indurance. It cost me over ÂŁ700 for mamogram ultra scan and consult. Had to use savings couldnt got further too expensive. Back in nhs system waiting for 2nd lot of biopsies. So far despite private bit saving me 3 weeks am 5 weeks in and no diagnosis yetâŚ
It was on the news last night about thousands of patients going private because of long delays in nhs.