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Test results

Ippy
  • 1 reply
  • 32 subscribers
  • 205 views

Having had a cancerous polyp removed via colonoscopy I today received a follow up call from the cancer nurse. 

She informed me that polyp margins are clear at 1.5mm and that my CT scan is clear with no signs of metastasis or lymph node invasion. Great news I thought. She went on to say I would have to await an appointment with the surgeon to discuss further treatment. when I questioned this she would not comitt. I went from elated to distraught within seconds and once again wait in the dark to hear my fate... My question is this normal protocol in the NHS. Seems duty if candour does not trump the God like power of the surgeon

  • Hi Ippy,

    Thank you for getting in touch and welcome to the online community. I’m Isobel one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialist, on the Macmillan Support Line.

    Waiting for results is never easy and can feel very long, leading to feelings of uncertainty and a loss of security about the future.

    The cancer nurse appears to have given an initial outline of what was seen on the scan and during your procedure to remove the polyp, which is indicating a positive result. However it is not clear from what you have said if the biopsy result was available. The nurse may not have had this information, these can take a couple of weeks, and will be given by the surgeon.

    The biopsies taken will be tested to determine the grade and type of cancer you may have. They can also be tested for certain gene changes. Knowing this information, along with the scans that you have had done is important for a full diagnosis, and correct treatment plan.

    These results are taken to a Multidisciplinary Team meeting (MDT) where all cases are discussed. These meetings are normal protocol in the NHS and very important in planning the next steps if any, that are best for you. The MDT looks at national treatment guidelines or the latest evidence for the type of cancer you may have.

    Please contact us if you would like to discuss this in more detail, on this platform we can only give general information, a two-way conversation can give you the opportunity to talk about your individual concerns and explore this in more depth.

     

    Best wishes,

    Isobel Y, 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/ IY/MD

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