How long will the wait be before we know the full prognosis?

Hi Claire,

Thank you for contacting Macmillan Cancer Support. I’m Yvonne one of the Cancer Information Nurses.

Waiting for results to know whether surgery is an option is understandably a worrying time for you and your mother.

Also dealing with uncertainty can be exceptionally difficult, so it’s important to look after your own wellbeing and get the support you need.

It is usual for the scans to be reviewed and reported by a radiologist, and this usually takes a week or two depending on your hospital.  You might like to consider getting in touch with your mothers Nurse Specialist (if she has one) to check out next steps in terms of timescales and who mother will see next.

It’s good that your mother is fit and well, despite being in her 80s.  Accepting what’s happening to your mother and your feelings about it are natural and you may feel not only sadness, but at times anger and distress.  Taking some time to focus on your own wellbeing is important, and you may find sharing worries and finding emotional support from our carers on line forum or speaking to us in person helpful.

Best wishes

Yvonne, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

Ref/LE 

Thank you for your reply, that’s very helpful. Had a call today to say the scan has been brought forward by a week which is good but it worries me why that would be done.

HiClare19 

My name is Amy, and I am one of Yvonne’s colleagues on the Macmillan Support Line.

Try not to read anything into the fact the scan has been brought forward. Often it is something as simple as a cancellation, which allows them to bring someone else’s appointment forward.

I know Yvonne posted links on all the ways we can support you so please explore these further, and feel free to give us a call if you think it might help to chat through how you are feeling. 

Many people find the uncertainty while waiting for tests and results the most difficult part to cope with.

I hope this helps. 

Best wishes, 

Amy C, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

Ref: AC/FM