Spiralling after 2 cancelled appointments

Ask our Nurses your questions
1

Advice needed🥰

I had a lumpectomy for a grade 2 tumour and sentinel lymph node removal on 23rd October. I was meant to see the consultant for my results last Friday, it was cancelled due to lack of staff. It was rescheduled for this Friday but the hospital rang today and cancelled Fridays appointment again due to lack of staffing so my results haven’t gone to the MDT. They have provisionally booked me in for next Friday. Has this happened to anyone else? How did you distract yourself? On the surface I’m fine but internally I feel like a swan keeping a brave face, being calm while my husband and those around me are getting cross. I’ve turned to food (emotional eating) I hate this as that then spirals me as I really don’t want to put in eight especially as l have to have some form of chemo. I know that sounds vain and I do just want to be well but need some ideas to keep me busy as I’m not yet ready to return to work. I’ve tried crotchet, sewing, mindful colouring but I can switch off and get irritated. I was the dog an hour each day to help. Are there any forms of exercise I can do. I’m still sore from surgery x

1 Like
2

Hi, I am so sorry this has happened to you and I totally understand your concern. I used to work in the NHS and all I can say is if appointments had to be cancelled due to staffing, we would still see urgent cases and defer the lower risk. I know this isn’t good enough and it doesn’t help your natural concerns and I hope you are seen soon.

1 Like
3

I think the NHS is struggling with staff sickness, my local trust had a mask mandates recently for all to help with staff absences. I know it’s hard not knowing your results and you are doing your best to distract yourself. Maybe ring the breast care nurse and say how it is making you feel.

This is a copy of the exercise leaflet I received after surgery

I had a few delays due to staff issues mainly to do with pathology/lab results and it was over the summer with holidays.

:smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

1 Like
4

Thank you- sorry to hear you had delays too! How did you distract yourself?

5

Tried to keep busy doing jobs around the house and garden. It was invaluable as I had chemo so I would t have been fit/well enough to do them during the treatment. It was summer so nice weather allowed lots of walks and we organised a short break in Cornwall, which was a good distraction.

:smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

1 Like
6

Hi kat80pink

It’s difficult when results are delayed due to appointments being cancelled and it’s understandable that this has left you feeling anxious and sometimes irritated.

At times like this it can help to talk to someone about how you are feeling and you may wish to call our helpline . The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary.

You’ve been trying different ways to distract yourself while you wait and our information on coping with breast cancer emotionally may be of interest. It gives you tips and resources which you may find helpful.

As @naughty_boob says you may wish to call your breast care nurse and let her know how the delays in results is making you feel. Your GP may also be able to offer support.

You could also consider contacting your hospital PALS service. They are there to help support you and resolve any concerns or problems you have whilst using the NHS.

Again, please do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. 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.

If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. Please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.

Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.

Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.

We’re continually evaluating this service. If you want to provide feedback, please click the link to complete the survey . It should take approximately 10 minutes.

Best wishes,

Julie

Breast Care Nurse

Please read the disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy

As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.