Delay to mastectomy results

Ask our Nurses your questions
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I had a mastectomy and diep reconstruction 3 weeks ago. My results were due this week, but the hospital have called and cancelled the appointment as no results are ready for me. The new scheduled results appointment is in 7 weeks time, meaning I’ll have waited 10 weeks to find out what was found.

As a result, my radiotherapy and next oncology appointment are going to be rescheduled to match the delay, so the doctors can see the results before planning next steps.

After my chemo, and 3 other surgeries, I’m already past my full pay and into my half pay, so wanted to return to work.

What information will be in the pathology report that needs to be seen before the next treatment is planned? I assumed I’d just be told that the cancer is all out and I’m cancer free? Surely if they removed the whole breast, I’m now cancer free and radiotherapy can start sooner than the delayed results.

I did ring my team and they said it couldnt be helped but no further decisions could be finalised without the results. However, aren’t the results just to check for clear margins? I’m told I’ve maxxed out on the surgery and no more can be done as there’s no more breast tissue.

Any thoughts? Thank you.

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Hi there I’m similar to you, I was due to get my post op results on Friday but they cancelled today and moved to 24 Feb so mine is a month from surgery to results. It’s frustrating as like you I’m on half pay and I want the treatment to start asap. I could go back to work in the meantime but I’m only 2 weeks post op and still recovering from the mastectomy and full clearance. My appt would be 10 mins max but they cancelled as my surgeon needs to do an op as other surgeon has broken her hand!

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Can you make a complaint as an additional 7 weeks seems crazy. How did you find chemo?

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Hi @stafford22 . Thanks for your reply and so sorry your results were delayed too. In my health authority 5 to 6 weeks for all histology is standard, but I know in many places it is 2 weeks.

I complained to pals and spoke to my team. 10 weeks is crazy. My life is on hold and I’m already 15 months into my cancer treatment.

Chemo was ok to be honest. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t pleasant. However, i found it doable. If you’re about to have chemo, the monthly new starter groups on here are fantastic. You will make friends, share experiences and get tips and advice that the doctors don’t always tell you. I had 3 EC, then 3 docetaxel. It wasnt all straightforward and around day 5 to 9 of each cycle i felt quite poorly, But I managed and they give you lots of meds to help with side effects. All the best x

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I really hope you get seen sooner, where in the country are you?

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Thanks for the info. I’m not sure if I’m having chemo yet, I’ve had a mastectomy. Ive got a feeling I will need it as I have positive lymph nodes. I’m so glad you got thru it ok.

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Definitely take it to PALS, 10 weeks is a totally unacceptable delay especially if original plans get changed because of it.

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Midlands

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Hello bluesatsuma,

Thank you for posting.

It’s understandable that you are concerned about the impact of the delay in receiving your pathology results after your mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction on your return to work and finances.

You say you have spoken to your local PALS and your team already, but have been told there is nothing that can be done. As @stafford22 says, if you have not done so already, you may wish to make a formal complaint about the situation. You could also discuss this with your GP.

It is frustrating that the pathology result delay is impacting on your radiotherapy and oncology appointments. The final pathology report is important as it completes the information on overall size and of the cancer and whether it was close to your chest wall which can impact on recommendations about the extent of the recommended radiotherapy field. Further chemotherapy is recommended to some women who still have some cancer remaining in the breast after chemotherapy, your oncologist will discuss if this is recommended for you.

It is very difficult when treatment is impacting on work and finances, you may find our information on financial support and benefits and this link to Working With Cancer helpful if you have not seen them already.

Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.

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Best wishes

Mandy

Breast Care Nurse

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