Hi, a newbie here, found a lump on Halloween morning, seen my gp which earliest appointment was 2 weeks later!! She referred me straightaway as urgent ( she says the practice generally put everyone through as urgent) have been waiting and waiting, no appointment!! I have since been back with go for a different reason and mentioned this, she recommended phoning the clinic to which I was told there is a NINE WEEK waiting list!! And that’s for urgent referrals!! I have since been trying to phone gp, with no luck, called in yesterday and she is off until monday. I’m trying not to panic but I have to aunts who had breast cancer, one who was young (I’m 31 and she was in her 30’s and the other was 60+). Only my best friend and my niece know, I’m keeping it secret from my mum as my dad died last year so I know she couldn’t handle this. I’m just needing to vent as I’m trying not to worry my BF and niece as we’ve all got young kids and its Christmas. But the waiting time is worrying me.
Hi Kam81
I’m sorry to read that you are having a pretty difficult time at the moment. I’m sure the users of this site will be along to support you soon.
In the meantime maybe you would like to talk to a member of our helpline staff who are there to offer emotional support as well as practical information. The free phone number is 0808 800 6000 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00 to 5.00 and Saturday 10.00 to 2.00.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
Hi kam Im in pretty much the same situation as you found my lump on 19 November referred on the 22nd nov for an urgent 2week appointment and my appointment came through as jan ! I got back in touch with my gp who is writing to them to try and get it brought forward I would keep trying to get hold of yours (mine was furious about the wait) 9 weeks is a nightmare my gp also told me I should write to the cheif ex of my hospital to complain but my mind is too much of a mess to think about this . I think my wait is worse because I’m in Wales, England seems to have tighter rules about waiting times , are you in Wales too . I won’t say try not to worry because I know sometimes you just can’t do anything else, but I hope you can find some peace of mind and I really hope your appointment can be brought forward. I know this would be hard at any time of year but over christmas is going to be very tough I won’t tell my children 13 and 15 about the appointment but I think they are wondering why mum keeps bursting into tears at any thing emotional or sentimental. wish I could say something more helpful .but hugs to you and yours
lisa x
So annoyed on both of your behalf that you have to wait so long.
For what its worth I have contacted my Patient Advice Liason Service (PALS), not sure of they have them in Wales, when I have been faced with delays. They will ask the question, I would be quoting NICE guidelines (CG27 Referral for suspected cancer) and asking why they are not able to implement them (I realise they are guidelines but state the mental anquish you are experiencing due to the delay).
I realise it hard to speak up when you feel so worried but its just an email or telephone call to ask the question.
Take Care
Karen
Thanks girls, I am actually in Northern Ireland but u would imagine these sort of things should be treated the same no matter where u live, eh? I’m trying to stay calm about things as my GP didn’t seem to change her attitude towards me when she felt the lump but I don’t trust gp’s 100% either!!! Worst scene scenario i keep thinking finding out bad news after xmas is better but every now and again i just get the panicky feeling that somethings seriously wrong and need treatment asap to catch it!!! the mind is a torturous thing!!! I know i’l have to wait until i get speaking to my gp but i know of people close to my life where they have been let down big time by their gp, with sad results. Things like that keep playing in my mind. But its good to come on here to talk and let my panic be known!! x
Please both of you ring the GP on Monday morning and get him to chase the appointment. It is Not normal to have to wait 9 weeks! Tell them you are so worried that you cannot function and you need to know Now! We try and wait patiently but then sometimes we need to explain that we so worried we need help.
Please ring . We will try and support you whilst you wait . Love and hugs Tracy xxx
Oh Ladies that is horrendous! I agree with tracy, ring your GP and keep on ringing.
Thinking of you both X
Hey folks…sorry for the absence…busy, busy with xmas etc. My appointment is next wednesday which is hard to believe, its flew in all considering! Had contacted my gp after my last post who told me that i was small risk and not worry. I think then it was just easier to bury my head in the sand than anything else!! Feeling kind of nervous now but I’l be facing everything head on from now!! Happy new year everyone!!