Results by phone

Dear Anthony,

My name is Gillian, and I’m one of the cancer information nurse specialists on the Macmillan support line.

Thank you for reaching out to us, I can see you have joined some of our other forums I hope you are finding these helpful.

I’m glad you’ve reached out we can understand you must be feeling worried.  Many people find the uncertainty and waiting for test results to be the most difficult part.

In the UK, telephone consultations have become more common, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many consultants prefer telephone appointments for discussing test results and scans as they can be more convenient and quicker to arrange. This approach can save time and reduce the need to travel, however we do understand it can also feel impersonal, especially when dealing with significant health issues.

Receiving a diagnosis and test results over the phone is not uncommon, but it can be challenging. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your telephone appointment. This questions to ask your healthcare team  can be a helpful guide.  

We would suggest writing down any questions or concerns you have beforehand. This will help ensure you cover everything during the call.

If possible, have a friend or family member with you during the call for support and to help you take notes. If you need any information clarifying don’t hesitate to ask the consultant to give you more information if required.

If following the telephone appointment, you feel you need a face-to-face appointment, you can request one for further discussion. You can also ask if there is a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) who you can contact.

I hope you find this information helpful. You can also always call one of our nurses directly if you want to talk over your concerns or require any further support.

Best wishes

 Gillian, 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: SA/GG

Gillian, thank you so much for your reply and advice. I got some fantastic advice from millibob (Brian) a few days ago also. He mentioned the my chart app, and I downloaded it and managed to get the Northern Ireland section. I actually read my bone scan letter on the day it was typed!! NO ABNORMALITIES FOUND. So now I have to wait until April for my phone appointment with my consultant. At least I know that there’s no metastasis in my bones. The link for questions to ask has been really useful, and I will enquire about a clinical nurse specialist. Thank you again Gillian for easing my worries.

Tony.