GP Surgery lack of support - 6 weeks for pre-radiotherapy check-up

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I thought a GP would ge central in a cancer journey.  Couldn't be more wrong. Just attempted to get appt merely to check chest/lungs b4 a radiotherapy appt meeting. My thinking was, if not clear it could be dealt with in the 2 weeks I have b4 appt.  I was offered a 6 week appt , unsure even whether with GP.

Why is there no support from GP anymore .???

  • Good afternoon Salval,

    Thank you for getting in touch and welcome to our online community, I hope you find it supportive. My name is Helen and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I am very sorry to read you feel you aren’t getting support from your GP.

    It’s understandable when another treatment plan is introduced that you may be feeling anxious about this or have questions about treatment.

    As we haven’t access to NHS medical records and are unable to see the full details of the treatment plan, the best people to seek advice about any preparation needed for radiotherapy would be your cancer team.

    The clinical nurse specialist, radiotherapy team or consultant can advise whether any assessments of the chest and lungs by the GP are required before starting radiotherapy. It may be the case that the team already have sufficient clinical information before starting the treatment.

    If your cancer team have recommended a lung check with the GP prior to the radiotherapy meeting, I would recommend calling the GP practice again and express your concerns about the time frame of the appointment you’ve been given. If you are feeling dissatisfied, you’ll find more information about giving feedback and complaints about NHS services here.

    If you’re worried about any new, worsening or changing symptoms such as increased breathlessness, coughing, blood in sputum, pain or signs of infection, you must seek an urgent medical assessment from either your GP or NHS 111

    You may find it helpful to talk to us about the current situation and any concerns you have. Our Macmillan support line is available to you 8am-8pm, every day. By talking things through with us, we can gain a better understanding of your needs and whether any other types of support would be beneficial for you.

     

    I hope this information is helpful but if you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.

    Best wishes,

     

    Helen, 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 email us. 

    Ref/HeP/RH