HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT FOR ANSWERS

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Hi, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer just over a month ago. I had to have 3 biopsies, MRI scan and since I met with my consultant, I've not heard anything. I've not been told the results, what stage is my cancer? etc

A month is a very long time when you've been given the worst news, I can't eat or sleep, my mental heath is bad. I spend every day just thinking about my cancer. I think the worse case scenario and I cry a lot. Is there guidelines to how quickly after diagnosis a plan is put together for treatment ? 

I really need to stop being so anxious but it's very hard. 

  • Hi Hazy Duff

     

    My name is Gemma and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I am sorry to hear about the anxiety and uncertainty caused while waiting for the results of your scan and biopsies.

    Anxiety and repetitive thoughts are part of the process of diagnosis, however, if you are frightened by your feelings and emotions, or if you are becoming very anxious or depressed, you can get help from a healthcare professional. This could be from your healthcare team at the hospital, your specialist nurse, or your GP.

    Or consider giving us a call – we are so much better at providing information and support in sensitive situations such as these when we can talk together. Our contact details are The Macmillan support team on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8 am-8 pm).

     

    Have you spoken to anyone at the hospital to try and get a better understanding of what is going on? If not, then it would be advisable to do so as they are best placed to talk through the delay and answer any specific questions you have. 

    You could contact the consultant’s secretary; the hospital switchboard will be able to put you through. They should be able to arrange for one of the team to call so that you can ask some further questions. Here is some information on talking to the healthcare team and questions to ask about cancer diagnosis that you might find helpful.

    If you are unable to access any further information from the hospital, you could always speak to your GP. Alternatively, you could contact the hospital Patient Advice and Liaison Service  (PALS). They provide a point of contact for patients and families and can offer advice and help resolve concerns or problems.

    Please do not hesitate to contact us on any of the channels available to you.

    Take Care

    Gemma. 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: GES/FS