My husband has been diagnosed with cancer. We don’t know what the cancer is. It was picked up weeks ago after bloods and a scan for suspected prostate as it has metastasised to the bones. So he was put in for more scans and bloods and even though there was nothing really pointing to the prostate, a biopsy of it. When he went to the appointment for the biopsy he asked the nurse what the scans and new bloods had shown as he wasn’t keen on having a biopsy if it they indicated it was elsewhere. The consultant was nowhere to be seen and impossible to get hold of even at his private practice. The nurse could see that the results pointed towards pancreatic cancer and agreed it wasn’t likely to be prostate so didn’t do the biopsy and said they’d speak to the consultant as to next test. He then got booked in for a biopsy on the liver where the metastasis was showing. No letters or anything- he found out by chasing the department. So that happened last Tuesday. The beginning of February he was told they’d know what it is and have a plan in place within 10 days. It’s now been over 7 weeks since his first referral and we’re still non the wiser. Is it common for it to take so long. I can see him fading away in front of my eyes and I’m in bits.
Hello Daffodil68
Sadly, this is the state of the NHS these days.
I found out early in my journey to take names and contact telephone numbers and e-mail addresses for anyone I came into contact with - I also don't take no or we will have to wait and see as an answer.
I would start off on Monday by chasing up the last contact you had who told you "we will have a plan in place in the next 10 days" - at the same time contact the hospital PALS office (Patient Advisory and Liaison Service) tell them what has gone on and you need to know where you stand. Tell them you need a reply in 48 hours or it's a formal complaint.
Sadly you need to be proactive but polite and advocate for yourself.
Do come back to me if the above doesn't sort the problem out - I can tell you how to take the matter further.
Best wishes - Brian.
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