Timescale after diagnosis?

Ask our Nurses your questions
1

Hi,

I was given my biopsy results over the telephone on 5 May as couldn’t attend clinic due to being in hospital after an accident.

I have invasive ductal carcinoma grade 2 score 7 B5b

ER 2/8. PR 0/8. HER- 2 negative score 0.

I was told I am to be referred to my local hospital, East Surrey Hospital for treatment. My question is how long should I wait to be given an appointment at East Surrey? Should I be calling them? Are there specific timeframes?

I’m obviously quite anxious to get started on treatment!

Any advice would be appreciated.

2

In your situation I would phone the hospital and ask to be put through to the breast care nurse and explain your situation. I hope you receive an appointment very soon.

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3

Thank you for your reply. I rang them and apparently have an appointment next week on 20 May. Lovely lady I spoke to who said they would go through it all with me then, but I’m likely to have surgery first before any other necessary treatment.

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4

Hi, that’s brilliant news. I’m so pleased you have had such as swift response.

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5

Hi @surreydeb ,

Thank you for your post.

It’s understandable you ask about specific timeframes and how long you should be waiting for an appointment to see your breast team and start treatment.

As @shade had mentioned, we would suggest contacting the breast team directly asking about your appointment, which it looks like you have done as your appointment is scheduled for the 20th of May.

You should start treatment no more than 2 months (62 days) between the date the hospital receives an urgent referral for suspected cancer and the start of your treatment. Or no more than 31 days between you and your treatment team agreeing your treatment plan and the start of your treatment. For most people treatment will be given within these time frames.

It’s not uncommon to feel anxious to get started on treatment. You may find it helpful to speak to your breast care nurse and treatment team about this when you do meet them. Based on your individual situation they can be more specific about when you are likely to start treatment.

We offer a range of free supportive services which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.

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.

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Best wishes,

Sonia

Breast Care Nurse

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