Hi
My aunt has ovarian cancer, has been referred to hospital and is now waiting for an operation date, we've known about the cancer since the end of August and they have said it is at an early stage and they should be able to stop it spreading if they do a historectomy.
My cousin is constantly trying to get a hospital appointment for but the hospital isn't giving her any information or an operation date and we are struggling to know where to turn.
My nan (other side of the family) died from ovarian cancer that went undiagnosed by her GP for 6 months and I'm petrified if this isn't dealt with soon we will hear bad news.
Can anyone suggest where we can go/ anything we can do to speed things up with the NHS?
Thanks in advance
Andy
Hi and a second welcome to the Online Community, although I am sorry to see you finding us and so sorry to hear about your aunt and the appointment issues you are having.
Her GP should be able to open doors, if your cousin has the number of the consultant he needs to try and talk with his/her receptionists as these are the people who can push things forward....... unfortunately this is the way the NHS is at the moment but getting the pointy elbows into the system is the only way.
A cancer diagnosis can bring a lot of stress, confusion and questions but talking with people who are on the same journey can help a lot.
Can I direct you or your cousin to this link to our very supportive Ovarian cancer group as this will open up your concerns to a wider audience who know exactly what you are going through at the moment.
Just follow the link I have created then hit the ‘Join This Group’ tab just under the main group name, then go to the 'Start a Discussion' tab and set up your very own Discussion and introduce yourself to the group and ask your questions.
As I was the person with the cancer my experience of supporting someone is very limited, although my wife has been amazing over my 20 years. You may also find our Carers Only and Friends and Family groups to be good places where you can connect with others support family through their cancer journey but more importantly the carers care for each other.
You may find our various Macmillan Support Line Services to be helpful - call them on 0808 808 00 00 This free service covers Emotional Support, Practical Information. Clinical Information, Financial Support and Work Guidance mostly open 8.00 to 8.00 but check the link.
We also have our ‘Ask an Expert’. section where you can post questions to our mostly Volunteer Experts but please allow 2 working days to get a reply.
Our Online Information and Support Section is a good place to find information covering cancer diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers.
Talking to people face to face can help a lot so check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area or a Maggie’s Centre as these folks are amazing.
When you feel up to it try putting some information in your profile. This really helps others when answering. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. Just click on YOUR username, select 'Edit Profile'. Put as much or as little in your profile and you can amend it at any time - you can see members profiles by hitting our forum names.
All the best.
