2 week wait

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Not been feeling great for a while. Lost 2 and half stone in 8 months, blood tests & LFT results "very concerning" to GP so was referred on 2 week wait this week (3rd June) for suspected cancer. I have mild-moderate jaundice and am itching like crazy !

Received appointment this morning with Gastro for next Friday (13th ), 10 days after referral and its a VIDEO CONSULTATION !!! Is that normal procedure ?

Very upset, very worried, very scared and VERY itchy

Is it normal to have to wait 10 days and then be offered a video appointment for suspected cancer ? That means they wont even do any tests within the 2 weeks.

Really don't know what to do. The next 7 days are going to be hell !

Jo - Macmillan 2 months ago

Hi stephanie845,

Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Jo and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.

I am sorry to hear that you have concerning symptoms and are waiting for an urgent consultation with the gastro team. This sounds like a difficult time for you. Undergoing tests and waiting for results can be a worrying time, there is no right or wrong way to feel.

What was previously called the 2 week wait for suspected cancer, has now been replaced by the faster diagnosis standard. This is aimed at ensuring patients in England find out within 28 days of referral whether they have a cancer diagnosis. Here is some further information about cancer waiting times, including guidelines across other parts of the UK.

Whilst there is currently no clear guidance around the use of video consultation following a suspected cancer diagnosis referral, there are a number of reasons why this may have been arranged for you in the first instance. This includes a faster appointment date to discuss and arrange further tests and investigations prior to having an in-person appointment to talk over the results.

The gastro team, your GP, or the hospital patient advice and liaison service (PALS) should be able to advise whether this is normal protocol within the hospital you have been referred to. They should also be able to answer any questions you may have about this.

Itchy skin can be caused when bile salts are deposited in the skin due to jaundice. Having a shower may help as it can wash the bile salts off. Try to avoid soaps that dry the skin as this can increase the itching. You may find moisturising lotion helpful. Your GP may be able to prescribe medicines to help reduce the itching. Treating the cause of the jaundice will also help.

However, if you develop any new or worsening symptoms we’d advise contacting your GP or seeking urgent medical care.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch. You can speak with the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us.

I hope this information is helpful.

Best wishes,

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

Ref: JD/KA

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2 week wait