Am I being inpatient? It’s been over a month after lumpectomy and I still don’t have appointment with Oncologist. How soon after surgery Oncologist steps in? I have met Radiologist and he has now plan for the treatment and is ready for it, but can’t set dates until Oncologist looks into treatment as well.
I will of course chase or request referral for different specialist but just wondering if it’s normal.
Hello birca
Thanks for your post. It’s understandable that you’re asking if the wait for a treatment plan is normal following your breast cancer surgery. This is an anxious time for you and you’re certainly not being impatient.
Treatments given after surgery, such as radiotherapy, usually aim to start within 6-8 weeks. However, some people do wait longer for a variety of reasons without any impact on the overall outcome of the treatment.
You mention that you will chase up this information. Do contact your breast care nurse who is best placed to discuss this with you, based on your individual situation. They can help to chase the appointment with the oncology team. You could also ask her about a referral to a different specialist, if this is necessary.
If you wish to seek a second opinion, your GP or treatment team can refer you to an NHS team or a particular doctor. There are no guidelines about waiting times for a second opinion, which may lead to some delay in starting treatment. Some people choose to pay for a second opinion from a private doctor. Seeing a specialist for a second opinion usually involves going to a different hospital.
Having treatment for breast cancer can be a difficult time. Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.
You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0800 138 6551 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer.
We also offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link.
If you’re unable to resolve a concern, you do have a right to make a complaint and may want to contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). You can find your nearest PALS office on the NHS website.
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 additional 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, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
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Best wishes
Addie
Breast Care Nurse
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